Jess Carter is a leading voice in English football and a standout centre-back for Gotham FC and the England national team. Known for her composure, versatility, and leadership, Jess has won two UEFA Women’s European Championships (2022 and 2025), finished as a World Cup runner-up in 2023, and secured multiple domestic titles with Chelsea, including five WSL titles and three FA Cups. Starting her senior career at Birmingham City, she developed into one of the most dependable defenders in the game and now competes at the highest level in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Jess’s early journey began with Warwick Juniors, where she captained her team to County Cup success - a feat now marked by a commemorative plaque at the club. She joined Birmingham City’s academy in 2013 and made her senior debut a year later in the UEFA Women's Champions League against Arsenal, aged just 16. Her performances caught the attention of top clubs, and in 2018 she made the move to Chelsea. Though she initially faced challenges in adapting to the demands of elite football, she credits Chelsea manager Emma Hayes for helping her reach her full potential both on and off the pitch.
Her career highlights are impressive. With Chelsea, Jess helped the club win five WSL titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, and reach a Champions League final in 2021. On the international stage, she played a vital role in England’s 2023 World Cup campaign, starting five matches and helping the team reach the final. She returned to the spotlight again in UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, where she was instrumental in England’s victorious campaign, helping the team beat Spain in a dramatic final and lift their second consecutive European title. Individually, she has received honours including PFA Young Player of the Year (2017) and a place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Team of the Season (2023–24).
As a football speaker, Jess brings more than a decorated career - she brings real substance. She speaks with honesty about overcoming setbacks, the pressure of elite sport, and the importance of mental resilience. Jess also addresses wider topics such as equality, inclusion, leadership, and the realities of high-performance environments. With first-hand experience at the pinnacle of football, a calm and confident presence, and a passion for inspiring others, Jess Carter is an excellent speaker for any event focused on sport, leadership, or driving meaningful change.
