Millie Bright: Inspiring Journey of Chelsea and England Football Star
Millie Bright is one of the most respected names in women’s football, admired for her resilience, leadership, and commitment both on and off the pitch. Born in Chesterfield, she has gone on to become a central figure for Chelsea Ladies Football Club Ltd and the England national team. Beyond football, she is known for her charity work, business ventures such as DalyBrightness, and her role as an ambassador for Make-A-Wish® UK and Rossall School.
This article explores Millie Bright’s professional career, personal life, injuries, achievements, and her impact outside football, giving you a complete insight into one of the brightest stars in women’s sport.
Early Life and Rise in Football
Millie Bright discovered her passion for football at a young age. Her determination and natural athleticism helped her break into the professional scene, eventually securing her place at Chelsea Ladies Football Club Ltd in 2015. Over the years, she has grown into a defensive powerhouse, often praised for her strength, composure, and ability to lead by example.
Millie Bright at Chelsea Ladies Football Club Ltd
Dominating Domestic Football
Since joining Chelsea in 2015, Millie Bright has played a vital role in the club’s dominance in the Women’s Super League (WSL). She has helped the club secure numerous league titles, domestic cups, and even reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
Leadership and Longevity
In 2023, Bright was named captain of Chelsea, a recognition of her leadership skills and consistent performances. Her decade-long service at the club is a testament to her loyalty and her status as a true club legend.
Millie Bright with England
International Career Highlights
Millie Bright has earned over 80 caps for the England women’s national team, representing the Lionesses in major tournaments. She was part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 trophy, a historic moment for English women’s football.
World Cup Finalist
In 2023, Bright captained England during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, leading the team to their first-ever final. Her leadership on the global stage showcased her ability to inspire teammates and perform under immense pressure.
Injuries and Setbacks
Like many elite athletes, Millie Bright has faced injury struggles throughout her career. Recurring knee injuries have often kept her sidelined, most notably causing her to withdraw from Euro 2025. Despite the disappointment, she bravely shared that she needed time to recover both physically and mentally, putting long-term health ahead of short-term success.
Her honest approach to injury management has won her respect from fans and professionals alike, as it highlights the importance of wellbeing in high-performance sport.
Personal Life of Millie Bright
Is Millie Bright Married?
Millie Bright is not married.
Millie Bright Partner and Fiancé
Bright was previously engaged to Levi Crew, a personal trainer and performance coach. The relationship ended in early 2025, with reports confirming the separation. Later in the year, media outlets linked her to Dave Zetolofsky, a trainer and father of seven. Importantly, reports emphasised that their relationship began after both had ended their previous commitments.
Millie Bright Boyfriend
As of recent updates, Bright is believed to be in a relationship with Zetolofsky. However, she remains private about her personal life, preferring to focus public attention on her football career and community work.
Children
Millie Bright does not have children. She has often spoken about prioritising her career, wellbeing, and ambitions outside football before considering family life.
Millie Bright Height and Playing Style
Standing at 178 cm (5 feet 10 inches), Millie Bright uses her height and strength as key assets on the pitch. She dominates aerial battles, reads the game intelligently, and commands defensive organisation. These qualities have made her one of the most reliable centre-backs in women’s football.
DalyBrightness: Giving Back Beyond Football
In 2020, Millie Bright and her best friend, fellow Lioness Rachel Daly, launched DalyBrightness. This initiative aims to give back to communities through charity work, lifestyle projects, and fashion.
The duo created a clothing line, with proceeds helping charitable causes. DalyBrightness is not only a brand but also a platform to show their lives as individuals, beyond their identities as professional footballers. Their goal is to inspire young people to pursue their dreams and embrace authenticity.
Ambassador Roles and Charity Work
Make-A-Wish® UK
Millie Bright has been an ambassador for Make-A-Wish® UK since 2020. Through this role, she helps grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Her involvement demonstrates her compassion and desire to use her platform for good.
Rossall School
Between 2019 and 2023, Bright also served as an ambassador for Rossall School. In this role, she supported young athletes, encouraging them to combine education with sport, and inspired the next generation of footballers.
Honours and Achievements
With Chelsea
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Multiple Women’s Super League titles
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Several FA Cups and League Cups
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UEFA Women’s Champions League runner-up
With England
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UEFA Euro 2022 Champion
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2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finalist
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Captain in several international tournaments
Individual Recognition
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Named in the PFA WSL Team of the Year multiple times
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Twice included in the FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI
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Awarded an OBE for services to football
Millie Bright’s Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Bright has expressed interest in completing sports therapy and sports massage courses. She also dreams of running her own equestrian yard, blending her love for horses with her long-term plans after football.
These ambitions underline her well-rounded personality: a world-class footballer, entrepreneur, charity advocate, and someone who is already preparing for life beyond the pitch.
Conclusion
Millie Bright’s journey is a story of resilience, excellence, and compassion. From dominating at Chelsea Ladies Football Club Ltd and inspiring the England national team, to building DalyBrightness, supporting charities like Make-A-Wish® UK, and mentoring through Rossall School, she represents more than just a footballer — she is a role model.
Whether dealing with injuries, facing personal challenges, or leading teams to glory, Bright consistently shows determination and authenticity. Her story continues to inspire fans across the world and will undoubtedly shape the future of women’s football for years to come.
