One of the most accomplished managers in football, Emma Hayes OBE guided Chelsea Women to the top of the women’s game in this country, dominating the domestic scene for the best part of a decade.
Emma started out as a promising midfielder in Arsenal’s academy, but her playing career was cruelly ended before it began, suffering a serious ankle injury at the age of 17. Soon after, she moved into coaching, initially with Croydon and Crystal Palace, and later with senior sides in the United States.
Returning to London, Emma spent three years as assistant at Arsenal Ladies, helping the Gunners to domestic and continental success, before heading back across the water with Chicago Red Stars.
Hayes succeeded the late Matt Beard as manager of Chelsea in 2012. The Blues were part-time and had never won a major competition before Hayes’ arrival, and initially struggled in the Women’s Super League, narrowly avoiding relegation.
Bolstered by a slew of new signings and their new professional status, Hayes’ side achieved their first success in her third season at Kingsmeadow, lifting both the WSL title and the Women’s FA Cup.
After finishing as runners-up in both competitions the following year, Chelsea became the team to beat – not that many managed to do so.
After clinching the Spring Series in 2017, the Blues then won every WSL title bar one until Hayes’ departure, as well as lifting another five FA Cups and two League Cups. During her twelve years as manager, only the Women’s Champion’s League proved elusive, coming up agonisingly short as runners-up in 2021.
When she left to take up a coveted role as head coach of the United States women’s team, former players were fulsome in their praise of her achievements and coaching ability.
Fellow Hall of Famer Karen Carney credited her with pushing and challenging the dressing room to achieve success, while others like Erin Cuthbert appreciated her honesty, personality and drive.
With seven titles, a Spring Series and a further seven cups to her name, Emma Hayes is the most successful coach of the WSL era, and played an integral role in transforming Chelsea Women into the powerhouse it is today.
Principal clubs: Chelsea Women
Major honours: 7 Women’s Super League titles, 1 Spring Series, 5 Women’s FA Cups, 2 Women’s League Cups
Inducted: 2025
