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Chelsea Sign Japan Midfielder Manaka Matsukubo to Five-Year Deal

7/4/2026

Summary

Matsukubo Joins Chelsea

Chelsea FC signed Japan midfielder Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year deal from North Carolina Courage.
The 21-year-old, NWSL Midfielder of the Year, posted 19 goals and 10 assists in 58 games, including 11 goals last season and five in nine 2026 matches.
She has 19 caps, two goals for Japan, won the 2025 SheBelieves and Asian Cups, earned the 2024 U-20 Cup Silver Ball, and will help Chelsea win trophies.

Summary

Matsukubo Signs

Chelsea announced a five-year contract for Matsukubo, calling it a long-term boost to attacking depth and its second summer signing.
Manager Emma Hayes will rotate Matsukubo in early league, cup and European matches, using her ability to play across the front line for tactical flexibility.
Coaches say adapting to the WSL will need quicker off-the-ball movement, tighter combos and set-piece integration to keep squad cohesion in a congested schedule.

Summary

Player Secures Contract

She secured a permanent contract with the North Carolina Courage in 2024 after arriving on loan in 2023.
She scored in the 2023 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Challenge Cup and was named MVP of that tournament.
Her performances earned her the league’s MVP honors for the 2023 Challenge Cup, highlighting her rapid rise.
The loan-to-permanent pathway illustrates the NWSL’s role in developing international talent before moves to Europe.

History

Historical Context

After the United States hosted the record-breaking 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup—averaging 37,319 fans per match and drawing 90,185 to the Rose Bowl final—the surge in visibility spurred the 2000 launch of the Women’s United Soccer Association and later the 2012 NWSL. That league now supplies talent such as Manaka Matsukubo, whom Chelsea FC signed from North Carolina Courage, echoing Arsenal Women’s earlier overseas scouting.

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Matsukubo Joins Chelsea

Chelsea FC signed Japan midfielder Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year deal from North Carolina Courage.
The 21-year-old, NWSL Midfielder of the Year, posted 19 goals and 10 assists in 58 games, including 11 goals last season and five in nine 2026 matches.
She has 19 caps, two goals for Japan, won the 2025 SheBelieves and Asian Cups, earned the 2024 U-20 Cup Silver Ball, and will help Chelsea win trophies.

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