Chelsea Women Class of 23/24
This is the Chelsea Women Class of 23/24. A group of world class players determined to kick off the new season how they mean to go on: with complete and utter vim.
On the hunt for their fifth consecutive Women's Super League title, Chelsea are determined to make 23/24 a season to remember.
The Blues are simply built different. Emma Hayes' side is the most successful team in WSL history. Add their eight additional domestic trophies into the mix, and Chelsea are undeniably the powerhouse of English women's football. Whether you've been at the club for five years or five weeks, once you pull on that iconic royal blue shirt, you're a part of the West London fabric - something we found out very quickly when meeting up with some of Chelsea's finest ahead of their opening WSL fixture.
To kick-off their title charge and retain their domestic crown, Chelsea take on Spurs at Stamford Bridge - a fixture that's become somewhat of a main stadium WSL staple, in recent years - on October 1 in front of tens of thousands of diehard fans. All of them looking to their sides to make the weekend's London Derby one to remember.
VERSUS sat down with several players who make up the Class of 23/24, to talk about their upcoming fixture at The Bridge, five-year plans, pre-match music, their favourite moments in blue and more.
Photography by Niall Hodson for VERSUS.
Catarina Macario
Pre-Match Hype Song: Big Rings – Drake and Future
Best Chelsea Moment: The day I signed at Stamford Bridge with all of my family beside me
I’m Feeling…beyond hyped about kicking off our WSL season at The Bridge
In Five Years’ Time I’ll Be…keeping the blue flag flying high!
Most Likely To…be the last to show up
Least Likely To…be the first to arrive (sorry!)
Which Teammate Could You Be Stranded On A Desert Island With? Erin! She is smart, resourceful, and always cracking jokes so she’d be good company to keep morale high
Sjoeke Nüsken
Best Chelsea Moment: First friendly game against Roma at Kingsmeadow
My Teammates Would Describe Me As…a team player, strong in duels and someone who loves to slide tackle!
Most Stylish Teammate: Sam (Kerr)
Dream Player Link-Up: Lionel Messi
Early Or Late KO? Late
I’m Feeling…excited about playing our first game against Spurs at Stamford Bridge!
Niamh Charles
Pre-Match Hype Song: Adore U – Fred Again
Most Likely To…make an absolute fool of myself on the dancefloor
Least Likely To…fake tan
London Derby In Three Words: I am going to say, mmm…a London Derby brings out a lot of passion in fans and players, and because of that it’s also very fiery. Finally, I’d say they’re intense.
Favourite Chelsea 23/4 Kit: Our away kit
In Five Years’ Time I’ll Be…hopefully I’ll be both a better footballer and person – maybe one that has a better golf game too!
Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd
Biggest Football Achievement: Winning a Bronze World Cup medal
Best Chelsea Moment: UWCL penalty shoot-out against Lyon at Stamford Bridge earlier this year. It was an amazing atmosphere and it was such a special feeling playing in front of our fans.
London Derby In Three Words: Passion. Fight. And of course, blue.
Favourite 23/24 Chelsea Kit: It has to be the home kit for me!
I’m Feeling…happy and looking forward to playing at The Bridge soon. We’ve got some really good memories from last season, and I’m looking forward to playing there once again in front of our amazing fans!
Mia Fishel
Pre-Match Hype Song: Wants and Needs – Drake ft. Lil baby
Most Likely To…find me listening to music! I love music!
Least Likely To…complain
Most Stylish Teammate: Keish B
Dream Player Link-Up: Messi. The GOAT
I’m Feeling…excited about playing at Stamford Bridge next month. Obviously it’s a dream come true being able to play at a stadium like that in front of our fans! It holds a lot of history so I can’t wait to experience that with the team. I’m also very excited to kick off the season with such an amazing group of people and players! I’ve learned so much already with this team, so I can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on during pre-season
In Five Years’ Time I’ll Be…a consistent USWNT player, and being considered one of the best strikers in the world. As a person, I see myself continuing to inspire the youth to be their authentic self. I’d like to support the next generation by providing camps, and attending public speaking conferences that discuss access and opportunities for young people. I also see myself helping to look after our oceans in some way. All of those things are really important to me.
Zećira Mušović
Dream Player Link-Up: Hope Solo was my role model, I’d love to play with her
Biggest Football Achievement: It’s hard to pick just one, as I have so many things I am proud of! Obviously the World Cup this summer was a major success for me both as a team and as an individual. But my debut games with Chelsea and my national team (Sweden) are two huge achievements that also stand out
Favourite Chelsea 23/24 Kit: My black goalkeeper jersey of course!
I’m Feeling…ready for the season. I’m done with training games, now I want to compete for real
In Five Years’ Time I’ll Be…still giving it 100% to inspire the next generation on and off the pitch
Hannah Hampton
Favourite 23/24 Chelsea Kit: You can’t beat the traditional Chelsea blue, has to be the home kit
Dream Player Link-Up: Marta because she is a living legend. The change she’s helped to create in women’s football is inspiring
London Derby In Three Words: London. Is. Blue.
Most Stylish Teammate: Ashley Lawrence
My Teammates Would Describe Me As… a keeper who’s decent at playing with my feet or good at feet distribution. They’d also say I’m energetic, and I’d like to think they’d say I’m athletic when it comes to shot-stopping
Melanie Leupolz
Best Chelsea Moment: The first time I won the Women’s Super League
Most Likely To…laugh at really bad jokes!
Least Likely To…find me watching football on TV
London Derby In Three Words: Pride. Fans. Emotional.
My Teammates Would Describe Me As…I think they’d probably say I am a player that covers a lot of ground. I think they might say I’m determined, and someone that never gives up
In Five Years’ Time I’ll Be…hopefully still running around and covering a lot of ground!
Check out the Chelsea Women Class of 23/24 in action against Spurs at Stamford Bridge on October 1. Get your tickets now.
