By JOANNA GUELAS FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: 07:21, 23 October 2025 | Updated: 07:21, 23 October 2025

Ellie Carpenter may find herself in the unusual position of fighting for game time, but the Matildas star believes moving to Chelsea was the right decision for her career.

Eyeing glory on home soil at the Asian Cup next year, star defender Carpenter made the move to the Super League giants in July after five years at OL Lyonnes.

The 25-year-old joined the French powerhouse in 2020 and established herself as a world-class right-back, becoming the first Australian player to win a Women's Champions League winner's medal.

Carpenter also claimed league titles in four of her five seasons as a regular starter at Lyon.

Now on a four-year deal at Chelsea and with five games under her belt to start the season, Carpenter said she was relishing having to fight for a starting position at her new club.

'For me, the move to Chelsea, was the best thing for my football career,' Carpenter said.

Matildas star Ellie Carpenter believes...