Get to know Chelsea women manager Sonia Bompastor

Despite losing their greatest manager to date, the Blues were able to secure one of the top rated coaches in the women's game, Sonia Bompastor, as a replacement.

The 44-year-old former France international has made a flying start to life in west London with the team starting the 2024-25 season firing on all cylinders. But who is Bompastor and why did the Blues choose her to replace Hayes?

Sonia Bompastor’s journey to Chelsea

Before becoming one of the best young managers in Europe, Bompastor was a world class player in her own right.

A midfielder who was equally comfortable in defence, she remains one of the best women’s players in French history.

Winning 156 caps for her national side over a 13-year spell, Bompastor had spells at La Roche-sur-Yon, Montpellier, Washington Freedom and Paris St-Germain.

But it was Lyon where she really left her mark, in two separate spells Bompastor won a remarkable 11 major trophies – including back-to-back Champions League titles in 2011 and 2012.

Get FourFourTwo Newsletter

The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

When she called time on playing in 2013, Bompastor initially stayed at the French champions as director of the women’s academy, a role she held for eight years.

In 2021, Lyon appointed her first team manager with her stock rising dramatically. In her first year in the job, the team produced an invincible season to win the league whilst also beating Barcelona 3-1 in the Champions League final to claim a record eighth European Cup.

VIDEO How will Lauren James Change Women's Football Forever

Bompastor delivered two further French titles and a domestic cup over the next two seasons before deciding it was time for a new challenge.

Her final game in charge before making the move to Chelsea had the potential to deliver a fairytale outcome - the 2024 Champions League final in Bilbao. Sadly for the French coach, it wasn’t to be, her side losing 2-0 to the great Barcelona.

By that time a move to Stamford Bridge was all but confirmed. Bompastor’s task of matching , or even surpassing the achievements of, Emma Hayes may appear daunting

But the French coach has the experience, tactical shrewdness and player-management skills to keep the WSL title with Chelsea this season and go one step further?