Millie Bright has finally picked up her OBE and the Chelsea defender was thrilled to get the recognition she so richly deserves.
The former England international was supposed to pick up the award in 2025, but knee surgery prevented her from going to Windsor Castle.
Millie Bright awarded OBE
Chelsea captain Millie Bright has been a loyal servant for both club and country over the years.
The 32-year-old has played for Chelsea since 2014 and England since 2016. Bright has won almost every competition possible during her career and being rewarded with an OBE in 2025 was no surprise at all.
Congratulations to former #Lionesses defender, Millie Bright, who received her OBE at Windsor Castle today! 🏴❤️ pic.twitter.com/0BHHitrwyf
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) January 14, 2026
Speaking after picking up her award, Bright said: “I’ve had to miss training today, which I don’t think I’ve missed one session in my whole career so far.
“But I think, for the Royal Highness, I think I can miss a day’s training to receive this.
Bright missed out on Euro 2025 due to her mental and physical health. Shortly after the tournament, she announced her retirement from international football.
It was knee surgery and scheduling issues for Chelsea’s star that prevented her from claiming the award last year.
“It’s always fallen on a game day or day before a game, and then I’m like, ‘ah, it’s the Champions League, it’s really important’.” Bright continued. “It’s always hard with the scheduling but, yeah, just really honoured to be here today… to finally get around to it.
“I think that most rewarding thing in the sport that I play is being able to give back to a lot of people, and to be recognised for that is, yeah, really, really special and gives me even more drive to go on and do more now.”
WATCH: Prince of Wales supporting Lionesses in full
‘He wants the Lionesses to succeed’: Millie Bright on the Prince of Wales pic.twitter.com/XkTnaAsYnR
— PA Media (@PA) January 14, 2026
Bright’s Chelsea struggling
While everything is going well off the pitch for Bright, Chelsea’s form this season has left plenty to be desired.
The Blues are six points adrift in the WSL title race and their hopes of winning the league for a seventh consecutive time are diminishing.
Chelsea remain in contention for both cups and the Champions League however, and a turn in form to start 2026 could revive their hopes of getting back amongst the trophies.
Bright herself was benched three times just before Christmas but she has returned to the starting lineup in the new year.
The veteran centre-back has been a key catalyst in Chelsea’s return to form and the team will need their captain playing at her best if they are to win any competition this season.
