Emma Hayes, the manager of Chelsea Women, has announced her departure at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on her highly decorated leadership of the club.
Hayes is regarded as one of the most accomplished figures in women’s football, having orchestrated Chelsea’s victory in six WSL titles.
The 47-year-old has an impressive record of five FA Cup victories, two League Cup triumphs, the Spring Series trophy, and the Community Shield with Chelsea’s women.
Recognized for her remarkable feats in securing two historic doubles and a domestic treble for Chelsea, Hayes is rumored to be in the running for the United States women’s national team role, temporarily occupied by Twila Kilgore.
‘Chelsea FC can today confirm that highly decorated Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes OBE will depart the club at the end of the season to pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football,’ a Chelsea statement said.
Hayes took up her position at Chelsea in 2012, a significant six years prior to the WSL’s full professionalization, and she steered the club’s evolution into a prominent figure in the women’s game.
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With an impressive record of six WSL Manager of the Season accolades, she was also awarded The Best FIFA Women’s Coach in 2021.
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said: ‘Emma’s contribution to Chelsea cannot be understated.’
‘She has been a pioneer in women’s football and is hugely respected within the game. We look forward to continuing to work together over the coming months.’
Hayes is regularly brought up as one of the managers in women’s football who could make the transition to managing a men’s team.
She maintains a steadfast belief that reaching a high-level position in women’s football should never be regarded as a pathway to men’s football.
Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: ‘Emma has been one of the biggest drivers of change in women’s football. Her achievements at Chelsea are unrivalled and will live in the club’s history forever.’
‘Given everything she has contributed to Chelsea in over a decade with the club, and the legacy she leaves behind, we would never stand in her way when she felt it was the right time to pursue a new challenge.’