Courage transfer M Manaka Matsukubo to Chelsea

Field Level Media|published: Fri 3rd July, 15:17 2026

May 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Courage midfielder Manaka Matsukubo (34) controls the ball against the Orlando Pride in the second half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The North Carolina Courage transferred 2025 NWSL Midfielder of the Year Manaka Matsukubo to Chelsea FC on Friday.

The 21-year-old Japan international signed a five-year contract with the English club, which competes in the Women's Super League.

"I'm so excited to be joining Chelsea, a club with a lot of history," Matsukubo said in a Chelsea press release. "As a small child, I followed Chelsea because it is a club everyone in the world knows about.

"The club has a strong history of winning trophies and has done so well at the top of the game, so I couldn't pass up this opportunity, and I want to help continue this club's tradition of winning trophies for years to come."

Matsukubo joined the Courage on loan in 2023. She tallied 19 goals and 10 assists in 58 matches with North Carolina, including 11 goals last season and five goals through nine matches in 2026.

--Field Level Media