In a dazzling twist straight out of a queer sports rom-com, newlywed football stars Ellie Carpenter and Daniëlle van de Donk are about to swap vows for volleys. Carpenter, the Matildas’ fierce defender and recent bride, has just inked a four-year deal with Women’s Super League royalty, Chelsea FC. That move? Oh, it places her squarely on a collision course with her brand-new wife, who plays for the London City Lionesses.
Yep, you read that right. The ink is barely dry on their French chateau “I do’s,” and already the honeymoon is giving way to head-to-heads. The two are expected to clash in the upcoming WSL season—a showdown that promises to be both fiery and fabulously awkward.
“I’m really excited about this new challenge,” Carpenter said, practically glowing with pride. “Chelsea have enjoyed so much success in England, and I’m delighted to now be a part of it.” She also noted that she’s eager to grow and become “the best version of Ellie,” which apparently involves tackling her wife. Love is war, baby.
The 24-year-old Aussie spent the past five years collecting silverware at Lyon, snagging two Champions League trophies and five domestic titles. Now, she reunites with her former Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor and joins forces with fellow Matildas star Sam Kerr. But it’s the off-pitch storyline that has everyone clutching their rainbow flags.
Carpenter and van de Donk, who announced their engagement on New Year’s Day, married in June at the jaw-droppingly romantic Chateau Hermitage de Combas in southern France. Van de Donk, who plays midfield for both the Lionesses and the Dutch national team, has been named to the Netherlands squad for the upcoming Women’s Euros, setting up more potential run-ins with out players like Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema—Mead’s partner and van de Donk’s teammate. This Euro season is reading like a queer novella.
What does this mean for the LGBTQ community? In short: everything. Visibility like this isn’t just refreshing—it’s vital. With LGBTQ representation in sport often lagging behind, these women are kicking stereotypes harder than they kick footballs. Their love story plays out under stadium lights, showing queer youth that it’s possible to be out, proud, and elite on the world’s biggest stages.
At a time when queer athletes are still fighting for their place—and in some places, their rights—Carpenter and van de Donk are showing us all that love isn’t a distraction from greatness; it’s a part of it. So grab your popcorn and your Pride scarves, because this season is going to be legendary.