Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jess Carter

Discover the career path of Jess Carter, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jess Carter is an English professional footballer currently playing as a defender for Gotham FC in the NWSL and the England national team. She began her senior career at Birmingham City. Carter has represented England at various youth levels before joining the senior national team, establishing herself as a key player in both club and international football.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 2013: Joined Birmingham City Academy

In June 2013, Jess Carter joined the Birmingham City Academy.

2013: Defender and Midfielder for Birmingham City

From 2013 to 2018, early in her career, Jess Carter began as a defender and midfielder for Birmingham City.

January 2014: Scored against Norway for England U-19

In January 2014, during her debut for the England under-19 team, Jess Carter scored a goal against Norway, showcasing her early potential on the international stage.

March 2014: Debut for Birmingham City

In March 2014, at the age of 16, Carter debuted for Birmingham City against Arsenal in the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final and was named player of the match, marking a significant milestone early in her career.

June 2014: Featured in Under-23 Squad

On 18 June 2014, Jess Carter featured in the under-23 squad in the Nordic Tournament, losing 3–0 to Norway.

2014: Played as Forward for England

In 2014, Carter played as a forward with England under-19s and under-20s teams, showcasing her versatility in different positions.

April 2017: First Senior Team Call-Up

In April 2017, Jess Carter received her first call-up to the England senior team as a defender for fixtures against Italy and Austria.

November 2017: Senior International Debut

On 28 November 2017, Jess Carter made her senior international debut for England in a 2019 World Cup qualification match against Kazakhstan, replacing Lucy Bronze in the 77th minute, and England won 5–0.

2017: Senior International Debut

After her senior international debut in 2017, Carter was named in the under-21 squad as a defender for La Manga Tournament.

2017: PFA Young Player of the Year Award

In 2017, Carter received the PFA Young Player of the Year award and was selected for the PFA WSL Team of the Year, marking significant recognition early in her career.

2017: Senior Team Absence

Jess Carter had not played for the senior team from 2017–2021.

June 2018: Joined Chelsea

In June 2018, Carter signed a three-year contract with Chelsea, moving from Birmingham City.

2018: Full-back for Chelsea

Early in her career from 2013–2018, Carter begun as a defender and midfielder for Birmingham City and with Chelsea, she started as a full-back in 2018 before becoming a centre-back.

April 2019: Featured in Victory Over France

In April 2019, Jess Carter was part of the starting eleven in England's 2–1 victory over France, but was later sent off in a loss to Norway.

2019: Chelsea Season

In the 2019-2020 season, Jess Carter scored her first goal for the club against Bristol City.

2019: Played in 2019 World Cup Qualification Match

On 28 November 2017, she made her senior international debut in a 2019 World Cup qualification against Kazakhstan.

January 2020: Debut Goal for Chelsea

In January 2020, during the 2019–20 season, Carter scored her first goal for Chelsea in a 6–1 victory against Bristol City.

May 2021: Reached Champions League Final

On 2 May 2021, Carter played a key role in Chelsea's journey to the Champions League final, providing the free-kick assist for Pernille Harder's goal in the semi-final against Barcelona. Chelsea won the game, but lost the final game 4-0.

2021: Career Breakthrough Season

During the 2021–22 season, Jess Carter had her career breakthrough, becoming a key part of Chelsea's defensive trio.

2021: Senior Team Absence

Jess Carter had not played for the senior team from 2017–2021.

June 2022: Won UEFA Women's Euro 2022

In June 2022, after a period of absence from 2017–2021, Jess Carter was part of the England squad that won the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.

October 2022: Contract Extension with Chelsea

In October 2022, Jess Carter extended her contract with Chelsea, committing to remain at the club as a defender until 2025.

November 2022: 100th Appearance for Chelsea

On 23 November 2022, Jess Carter marked her 100th appearance for Chelsea in a match against Real Madrid.

May 2023: Named to 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Squad

In May 2023, Jess Carter was named to the England squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

July 2024: Signed with Gotham FC

On 29 July 2024, Jess Carter signed with NJ/NY Gotham FC, with the contract lasting until 2026.

May 2025: Won CONCACAF W Champions Cup

On 25 May 2025, Jess Carter started in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup final against Tigres, where Gotham FC won 1–0 to become the inaugural winners of the competition.

June 2025: Named to UEFA Women's Euro 2025 squad and Subjected to Racist Abuse

In June 2025, Jess Carter was named to the England squad for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 and during the tournament, she was subjected to racist abuse on social media, leading to police involvement.