Chelsea don announce say dem don sign Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe, wey go join di Blues from 1 July 2026 after her contract with Arsenal finish. Di 30-year-old left-back don sign contract wey go keep her for Stamford Bridge until 30 June 2029, plus option for one extra year.
McCabe, wey her family don support Chelsea since she be small girl, tok say: ‘Na new chapter for my career. I feel ready for dis move right now. I dey excited to show Chelsea fans how I dey ready to perform for di badge.’ She add say: ‘I dey look forward to walk out for Stamford Bridge as home player, dey with di fan base and dey compete for trophies on all fronts. Dis club don dey successful for many years. I want to keep pushing and driving dat success.’
Born for Kilnamanagh, McCabe first make name for herself for Irish Women’s National League with Raheny United, wey she win league titles for 2012/13 and 2013/14, FAI Women’s Cup for 2012, 2013 and 2014, and WNL Cup for 2014/15. Her good performance make clubs from abroad come dey look her, and for 2015 she move to England to join Arsenal.
She win Women’s FA Cup for 2015/16 with Arsenal, before dem loan her to Glasgow City for 2017. When she come back to North London, she add WSL title for 2019 and Women’s Champions League trophy for 2025. She become fan favourite and dem vote her Player of di Season for 2021 and 2023. McCabe leave Arsenal dis summer after 305 appearances and 36 goals.
For international level, McCabe don wear Ireland captain armband since 2017, as she become di youngest-ever skipper for age 21. She don get 105 caps and score 34 goals. She lead her country to dia first Women’s World Cup for 2023, wey she score Ireland’s first goal for di tournament direct from corner against Canada. Later dat year, she become di first Irish woman to dey nominated for Ballon d'Or, and di first Irish footballer since Roy Keane for 2000.
McCabe dey play left-back but she fit also play higher up di pitch and for midfield. She dey known for her long-range shots and elite leadership skills. Everybody for club dey happy to welcome Katie, and dem dey look forward to see her shine for Chelsea blue.
