Chelsea have completed the signing of Japan international Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage on a five-year contract, adding one of the brightest young talents in world football to Sonia Bompastor’s squad.
The 21-year-old arrives in London after establishing herself as one of the standout players in the NWSL, where she was named Midfielder of the Year in 2025. Comfortable as an attacking midfielder or central striker, Matsukubo joins Chelsea with a growing reputation for creativity, technical quality and intelligent movement in the final third.
While Chelsea’s squad is already packed with elite talent, Matsukubo’s arrival feels particularly intriguing. She is not arriving as an established global superstar. Instead, she joins as a player whose best years may still lie ahead.
A Dream Years In The Making
For Matsukubo, the move to Chelsea is about much more than a transfer. The Japan international revealed that playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League has been a dream since childhood, making Chelsea an opportunity she simply could not ignore.
“To play in the Champions League has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl,” she said.
“I’m so excited to be able to achieve that dream. Playing in the Champions League will be the biggest difference to playing in the NWSL.”
The prospect of hearing the famous Champions League anthem for the first time is something she admits will be an emotional moment. Chelsea’s status as one of the biggest clubs in women’s football also played a major role in her decision.
“As a small child, I followed Chelsea because it is a club everyone in the world knows about,” Matsukubo explained. “The club has a strong history of winning trophies and has done so well at the top of the game, so I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.”
Rising Through The NWSL
Manaka Matsukubo arrives in England after a rapid rise in the United States. After making her professional debut for Mynavi Sendai in March 2023, she moved to North Carolina Courage later that year and quickly developed into one of the league’s most exciting young players.
Her breakthrough campaign came in 2025 when she scored 11 goals and was named NWSL Midfielder of the Year. She carried that momentum into the current season, scoring five goals in nine matches before completing her move to Chelsea.
One of the standout moments of her time in America came against Bay FC in October, when she became the youngest player in NWSL history to score a hat-trick.
She leaves North Carolina with 19 goals in 60 appearances and a reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic attacking talents.
More Than A Goalscorer
Although her goalscoring numbers are impressive, Matsukubo’s game extends far beyond finishing chances. The Japanese international believes her strongest position is as a number ten, where she can influence matches between the lines and create opportunities for teammates.
Receiving the ball in tight spaces, combining quickly with teammates and unlocking defences are among the qualities she identifies as her biggest strengths.
Chelsea’s coaching staff will also value her versatility. Matsukubo can operate as an attacking midfielder, support striker or central forward, giving Bompastor several options when building her attacking structure.
That tactical flexibility has become increasingly important at the highest level, particularly for teams competing across multiple competitions.
Reunited With A Familiar Face
Another factor behind Manaka Matsukubo’s decision was the opportunity to play alongside Maika Hamano once again. The pair first met as teenagers after joining the Japan Football Association’s national academy and have represented their country together at youth and senior level.
“When we were younger, we always said we wanted to play together for the same team,” Matsukubo said. “I couldn’t give up the opportunity to reunite with Maika.”
Hamano has already helped prepare her friend for life at Chelsea, offering insight into the standards, intensity and expectations that come with playing for the reigning Women’s Super League champions. Having a familiar face in the dressing room should help ease the transition to a new country and a new league.
Success Already On The International Stage
Despite her age, Matsukubo has already enjoyed significant success with Japan.
She helped her country win the SheBelieves Cup in 2024 and added the Asian Cup title earlier this year. Before breaking into the senior setup, she was a key figure for Japan’s youth teams and helped them reach the final of both the 2022 and 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cups.
Her performances in the latter tournament earned her the Silver Ball award as one of the competition’s standout players. Since making her senior debut in February 2024, she has earned 19 caps and scored twice for Japan.
Transfer Snapshot
- Player: Manaka Matsukubo
- Age: 21
- Previous Club: North Carolina Courage
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
- Contract: Five-year deal
- Squad Number: 29
Career Highlights
- NWSL Midfielder of the Year (2025)
- 19 goals in 60 appearances for North Carolina Courage
- Youngest player in NWSL history to score a hat-trick
- SheBelieves Cup winner with Japan
- Asian Cup winner with Japan
- FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Silver Ball winner
What She Brings
- Creativity in attacking areas
- Excellent technical ability
- Intelligent movement and positional versatility
- Strong goalscoring threat
- Experience in high-pressure international tournaments
Why The Move Matters
Chelsea have secured one of the most highly-rated young attacking players in world football. Matsukubo arrives with proven quality in the NWSL and international experience with Japan, while still having significant room for development.
What Happens Next?
Manaka Matsukubo will join her new teammates when Chelsea return for pre-season before travelling to New Zealand and Australia for the club’s summer tour. The move presents the biggest challenge of her career so far, but it is one she has actively sought.
For a player who grew up dreaming of Champions League football and competing for major trophies, Chelsea offers exactly that opportunity. Now comes the chance to prove she belongs at the very highest level.
Source: Chelsea women
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