Chelsea sign Japan star Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage on five-year deal
Chelsea FC has signed Japanese international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo, 21, from NWSL side North Carolina Courage on a five-year contract. The 2025 NWSL Midfielder of the Year recorded 19 goals and 10 assists in 58 appearances for the Courage. Matsukubo, who has helped Japan win the SheBelieves Cup and AFC Women's Asian Cup, joins the Women's Super League as several longtime Chelsea players depart for NWSL clubs.
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Chelsea Sign Japan Midfielder Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage
Chelsea have signed Japan international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo, 21, on a five-year contract from NWSL side North Carolina Courage. Matsukubo, capped 14 times by Japan, scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in 58 matches for North Carolina and was named NWSL Midfielder of the Year in 2025. The move brings the rising star to the Women's Super League, where she expressed excitement about joining a club with a strong winning tradition and history of success.
BBC SportChelsea sign Japan international Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage
Chelsea have signed Japan international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year contract from NWSL side North Carolina Courage. The 21-year-old scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in 58 matches for North Carolina and was named NWSL midfielder of the year in 2025. Matsukubo expressed excitement about joining Chelsea, citing the club's history of winning trophies and her desire to continue that tradition. She has been capped 14 times by Japan.
BBC SportChelsea sign Japan midfielder Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage
Chelsea have signed Japan international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year contract from NWSL side North Carolina Courage. The 21-year-old scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in 58 matches for North Carolina and was named NWSL midfielder of the year in 2025. Matsukubo expressed excitement about joining Chelsea, citing the club's history of winning trophies and her desire to continue that tradition. She has been capped 14 times by Japan.
BBC SportNorth Carolina Courage Transfer Manaka Matsukubo to Chelsea FC
The North Carolina Courage have transferred 2025 NWSL Midfielder of the Year Manaka Matsukubo to Chelsea FC. The 21-year-old Japan international signed a five-year contract with the English Women's Super League club. Matsukubo originally joined the Courage on loan in 2023, tallying 19 goals and 10 assists in 58 matches, including 11 goals last season and five goals through nine matches in 2026. In an official Chelsea press release, Matsukubo expressed excitement about joining the historic club and its winning tradition, stating she wants to help continue its trophy-winning legacy.
Yardbarker: SoccerManaka Matsukubo Transfers to Chelsea from North Carolina Courage
Chelsea FC has acquired Japanese midfielder Manaka Matsukubo from the North Carolina Courage for an undisclosed transfer fee, signing her to a five-year contract. The 21-year-old was named the National Women's Soccer League Midfielder of the Year in 2025 and was nominated for MVP. Known for her crafty footwork, clinical shooting, and exceptional vision, she is regarded as one of the best young players in the world. Matsukubo joined the Courage from Vegalta Sendai in 2023 and made 58 regular season appearances, scoring 11 goals in 2025 (third most in the NWSL) and five goals in nine appearances in 2026. She was set to become a free agent after the 2026 season. Chelsea has recently lost longtime players Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten, and Catarina Macario to the NWSL.
Yardbarker: SoccerChelsea Sign Japan International Manaka Matsukubo from NWSL's North Carolina Courage
Chelsea FC have signed Japan international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo from the NWSL's North Carolina Courage on a five-year contract. The 21-year-old, named NWSL Midfielder of the Year in 2025 after recording 11 goals and four assists, made 58 regular-season appearances for the Courage, scoring 19 goals and adding 10 assists over three years. Matsukubo, who has 19 caps and two goals for Japan's senior national team, helped Japan win the SheBelieves Cup and AFC Women's Asian Cup. She also earned a U-20 World Cup Silver Ball in 2024. The transfer comes as several longtime Chelsea players, including Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten, and Catarina Macario, have departed for NWSL clubs.
Yardbarker: Soccer