Melanie Leupolz: Chelsea great announces retirement at 31 after season-ending knee injury

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·13 giugno 2025

Melanie Leupolz: Chelsea great announces retirement at 31 after season-ending knee injury

The German was a key cog in the Chelsea machine as Emma Hayes’ Blues dominated British football

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Former Chelsea and Germany midfielder Melanie Leupolz has retired from professional football at 31.

The decision comes as she suffered a brace of identical knee injuries this season, sustaining partial MCL tears in January and March.

The Germany international spent four years at Chelsea, winning the WSL in each season as she played a key role in the Emma Hayes-led era of dominance. She is also a three-time FA Cup winner.

Leupolz moved to West London in 2020 after cruising to back-to-back Frauen Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, before moving to Real Madrid in July 2024.

She returned to Stamford Bridge in October as Chelsea downed Los Blancos 3-2 in the Champions League group stage.

Homecoming: Melanie Leupolz challenges Johanna Rytting Kaneryd on return to Stamford Bridge

AFP via Getty Images

Leupolz announced the ‘difficult’ decision to retire in a video posted to her social media channels, adorned with clips and photos from every phase of her career.

“After many intense and emotional years in professional football, I have made a difficult decision to retire this summer,” she said. “It hasn’t been an easy decision.

“Football has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I fell in love with the game when I was a little girl and it soon became my passion.

“I’ve had the privilege to play at the highest level for many years, representing amazing clubs alongside my country, winning many titles, creating unforgettable memories and meeting incredible people along the way.

“Thank you to everyone who was a part of this journey. Thank you football.”

Tributes are coming thick and fast from all corners of the game, with several former Chelsea teammates sending well wishes.

Blues captain Millie Bright wrote of Leupolz: “One of the best on and off the field. Congratulations on your career, enjoy your retirement.”

Striker Sam Kerr, who has not played since tearing her ACL in January 2024, echoed the sentiment, saying it was an “honour to have played with you, Melly. Enjoy retirement.”