Chelsea and Arsenal are notorious for their decades-long rivalry in women’s football, spanning multiple competitions, with silverware being shared by the two clubs. It’s not just titles they share, but players as well. Here is a list of players who have played for both London teams. (This is not an exhaustive list) The biggest reason for the transition of power is Emma Hayes, the Arsenal assistant manager in 2006-07, then Chelsea manager years later, where she brought stars from that era at Arsenal to Chelsea.
Lauren James, while she is a true blue at heart, it's in her DNA; she came through Arsenal's youth system. This connection to the club reflected the elite level of its women’s football talent pathway. While she was a highly rated player from a young age, Arsenal lost a great talent by never giving her a senior appearance. Arsenal's competitive squad and the rapid growth of young attackers meant opportunities to break into the senior side were few and far between. She left the club, which drew attention as she emerged as one of England's most gifted attacking prospects. She joined Chelsea in 2021, and while it was slow at first, she evolved to a player known for her close control, physical strength, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one. She played a crucial role in Chelsea's run for consecutive WSL titles, regularly contributing magic on the pitch. Her Chelsea career is defined by silverware, individual recognition, and her emergence as one of the most feared attackers in Europe.
Anita Asante, like many on this list, was part of the 2006-07 Arsenal squad, which won the UEFA Women's European Cup, the league, and the domestic cup. Her versatility allowed her to operate in both defence and midfield, and her tactical intelligence made her invaluable. Over her multiple spells at Arsenal, she made over 150 appearances. When Asante moved to Chelsea, the club was still in a developmental phase and far from the powerhouse it would later become. Her arrival brought elite experience, professionalism, and winning standards to a growing Chelsea side.
Katie Chapman, best known as Emma Hayes' first captain at Chelsea, had her career at both clubs defined by her leadership, intensity, and influence in midfield. While in North Linder, she made over 100 appearances across her two spells at the club. Chapman brought an edge to the side, excelling in high-pressure matches and contributing to multiple league titles and FA Cup wins. Her move to Chelsea in 2014 proved a turning point for both her and the club. In 2015, she led Chelsea to their first-ever WSL title and FA Cup, completing a historic domestic double that marked the club’s arrival among England’s elite.
Fara Williams played for the Blues in the early years of her career, long before the WSL era. She had an extraordinary goal-scoring season in 2000-01, finding the net around 30 times from midfield. She stood out in an era where women's football was never given the spotlight. Later in her career, Williams joined Arsenal. Although she was no longer at her physical peak, she played an essential role in the 2016-17 season and helped Arsenal win the FA Cup in 2016, the last time they won the title.
Another star of Arsenal’s Champions League-winning side in 2007. Gilly Flaherty spent over a decade at Arsenal and was a cornerstone of the club’s defensive dominance. She joined as a young player and went on to become one of the most reliable centre-backs in the women’s game, making more than 300 appearances. She collected league titles and FA Cups during her period at Arsenal. In 2014, she made a high-profile move from Arsenal to Chelsea. She quickly became a defensive leader and later club captain, guiding the team through one of the most successful periods in its history. She helped Chelsea win multiple WSL titles and the FA Cup, playing a crucial role in establishing the club as a dominant force. Her success at both clubs places her among the few players who were central to championship-winning teams on both sides of the London rivalry.
This one is likely the most shocking and unknown to fans. Alessia Russo. She began her youth career at Chelsea but struggled to secure consistent first-team opportunities. She eventually moved elsewhere to develop more. But those early setbacks became a key part of her story. Her move to Arsenal in 2023 marked a significant moment for the club, as she arrived as one of England’s most high-profile forwards following her success at the Euros 2022. Russo became a focal point of the attack, contributing goals, assists and physical presence. She became a focal point of the attack, contributing goals, assists, and physical presence. She became a key star in the club's European competition success.
The current manager of the Canadian women’s football team, Casey Stoney, began her senior career at Chelsea, where she developed into a dependable defender and gained valuable experience at the club level. Her early years at Chelsea helped shape her leadership qualities and tactical understanding traits that would define the rest of her career. Her move to Arsenal in 2009 saw her become a long-term leader within one of the most successful teams. Stoney made over 150 appearances for Arsenal, captaining the side and contributing to multiple league titles.
Ellen White, the Lionesses' all-time goal scorer, let Arsenal age 16 to join London rival Chelsea in 2005. At the same time, was the Blues' top scorer for three seasons. Then, in 2010, she returned to Arsenal after five years away. She won three league titles and two FA Cups. During the 2011 season, she scored six goals in thirteen appearances for the club. The same year, she helped with the FA Cup and the WSL. In the 2013 season, she scored two goals in 14 appearances. Arsenal finished first in the new league for the third consecutive season.
Finally, Karen Carney, who joined Arsenal in 2006 and played a significant part in the team that won four major honours in the 2006/7 season, won the quadruple. She made 21 appearances in her first season and scored 10 goals. 2008/09 was her final season at Arsenal; she made 13 appearances and scored 8 goals. Her assistant manager at Arsenal, Emma Hayes, and her manager at Chicago Red Stars signed her to Chelsea in December 2015. Hayes described her as “world-class.” Hayes noted, "Karen Carney was at the heart and the core of everything, especially in the first half, and she looks like she's been playing at Chelsea for years. I thought she was instrumental in everything we did, whether she was on the left side, down the middle, or on the right." In 2016, she was named the club’s Player of the Year and was short-listed for England Women’s Player of the Year.
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