Chelsea is delighted to announce the signing of Ireland international Katie McCabe, with the talented left-back to join us from 1 July 2026 upon the expiration of her current deal with Arsenal.
The 30-year-old, who captains the Republic of Ireland national team, has signed a contract with Chelsea until 30 June 2029, with the option for an additional year.
McCabe, whose family has supported the Blues since she was young, said: ‘It’s a new chapter in my career. This is something that I feel I’m ready for right now.
‘I’m really excited to get going and show the Chelsea fans how ready I am to perform for the badge. I’m so looking forward to walking out at Stamford Bridge as a home player, being around the fan base and competing for trophies on all fronts.
‘This club has been successful for so many years. I want to keep pushing and driving that, and for me, it’s about bringing that success back to Chelsea.’
Born in Kilnamanagh, McCabe built her reputation as a young player in the Irish Women’s National League with Raheny United, winning league titlesin 2012/13 and 2013/14, the FAI Women’s Cup in 2012, 2013 and 2014, while also contributing to a WNL Cup win in 2014/15.
Her standout performances inevitably generated interest from abroad, and in 2015 she made the move to England to join Arsenal.
A Women’s FA Cup win followed at the end of the 2015/16 campaign for the Gunners, before McCabe moved to Glasgow City to gain valuable experience on loan in 2017.
On her return to North London, the hard-working left-back added a WSL title in 2019 and a Women’s Champions League trophy in 2025, becoming a firm fan favourite as she was voted Player of the Season in 2021 and 2023.
McCabe left Arsenal this summer, having made 305 appearances and scoring 36 goals along the way.
At international level, McCabe has proudly worn the Ireland captain’s armband since 2017 as she became their youngest-ever skipper at the age of 21. She has been capped 105 times, scoring 34 goals.
After leading her country to a maiden appearance at a Women’s World Cup in 2023, it was McCabe who scored Ireland’s first goal at the tournament, netting direct from a corner in their opening match against Canada.
Later that year, she would also become the first Irish woman to have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, and the first Irish footballer to be on the prestigious list since Roy Keane’s inclusion in 2000.
A versatile, hard-working and talented player, McCabe predominantly occupies the left-back position but can play higher up the pitch and in midfield. She is famed for her stunning long-range strikes and brings her elite leadership skills with her to SW6.
Everyone at the club is thrilled to welcome Katie, and we look forward to seeing her excel in Chelsea blue!
Never miss a moment of Katie McCabe in a blue shirt at Stamford Bridge by securing your 26/27 Barclays WSL season ticket. Get yours now!
