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Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Japan international Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage on a five-year deal.
The 21-year-old arrives in west London after establishing herself as one of the brightest young talents in world football, having been named the NWSL Midfielder of the Year last season.
Speaking after completing the move, Matsukubo shared her excitement about joining the reigning Women’s Super League champions.
“I’m so excited to be joining Chelsea, a club with a lot of history. As a small child, I followed Chelsea because it is a club everyone in the world knows about. 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, and I want to help continue this club’s tradition of winning trophies for years to come,” she said.
Capable of playing as both an attacking midfielder and central striker, Matsukubo is known for her creativity, technical quality and eye for goal. Her ability to operate across the front line adds another attacking option to Sonia Bompastor’s squad ahead of the new campaign.
Manaka Matsukubo arrives in the Women’s Super League
After making her professional debut for Japanese side Mynavi Sendai in 2023, Matsukubo joined North Carolina Courage later that year on an initial loan before making the move permanent. She quickly became one of the standout performers in the NWSL, scoring 19 goals in 60 appearances.
Last season saw her net 11 league goals on her way to winning the NWSL Midfielder of the Year award. She has also already scored five goals in nine league matches this campaign. She also made history in October by becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick in NWSL history against Bay FC.
On the international stage, Matsukubo has enjoyed success with Japan at both youth and senior level. She helped her country reach the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final in both 2022 and 2024, earning the Silver Ball at the latter tournament for her outstanding performances.
Since making her senior debut in 2025, the 21-year-old has won both the SheBelieves Cup and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. She has made 19 senior appearances and scored twice for Japan.
Matsukubo now joins Chelsea as the latest addition to an already star-studded squad. Her arrival follows the news of a new contract for veteran Lucy Bronze.
Related articles from Her Football Hub:
- Sam Kerr returns to NWSL in blockbuster move to Gotham FC from Chelsea
- WSL: Victoria Pelova departs Arsenal and joins North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur
- Mary Earps returns to Women’s Super League with London City Lionesses move
