Jessica Leigh Carter Bio
Jessica Leigh Carter (born 27 October 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Gotham FC and the England national team. She began her senior career at Birmingham City and has represented England from under-19 to under-23 youth level. In 2017, Carter was awarded PFA Young Player of the Year and named in the PFA WSL Team of the Year. With Chelsea, she has won multiple WSL titles, FA Cups, and League Cups; with England, Carter is a two-time European Championship winner, a Finalissima winner, as well as a World Cup runner-up.
Early Life and Background
Jessica Leigh Carter was born in Warwick, England, to an African American father and a British mother, holding both British and American citizenship. As a youth, she captained the Warwick Juniors to the County Cup championship, and in 2022, a plaque honoring her was installed at the club as part of the “Where Greatness Is Made” campaign. Carter’s early exposure to football set the foundation for her future career in the sport.
Path to Soccer
Carter joined the Birmingham City Academy in June 2013, marking the beginning of her professional journey. At just 16 years old, she made her debut for Birmingham City in a UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final match against Arsenal, where she was named player of the match. This early achievement highlighted her potential and set the stage for her future successes in the sport.
Jessica Leigh Carter Career
Early Career (2013–2018)
After joining Birmingham City, Carter quickly established herself as a promising talent. She made her debut in March 2014 and continued to develop her skills with the club until 2018. During this time, she was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2017, recognizing her impact in the Women’s Super League.
Breakthrough (2018–2024)
In June 2018, Carter signed with Chelsea, where she faced challenges early in her career, including struggles with training and fitness. However, under the guidance of manager Emma Hayes, she made significant improvements. Carter scored her first goal for Chelsea in January 2020 and played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them secure a domestic treble in the 2020–21 season. She extended her contract with Chelsea in October 2022, marking her commitment to the club.
Notable Works and Milestones
Carter’s signature work includes her contributions to Chelsea’s multiple title wins and her pivotal role in the England national team’s achievements, including winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and being a runner-up in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Jessica Leigh Carter Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Jessica Leigh Carter has received numerous nominations, particularly for her performances in the Women’s Super League and international competitions.
Jessica Leigh Carter Awards Won
Jessica Leigh Carter has won several prestigious awards, including the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2017. She has also been part of teams that have won significant titles, including the UEFA Women’s Euro Championship in 2022 and the UEFA–CONMEBOL Finalissima in 2023.
Jessica Leigh Carter Family
Jessica Leigh Carter is engaged to fellow professional footballer Ann-Katrin Berger.
Personal Life
Since 2017, Carter has been in a relationship with Ann-Katrin Berger, and they announced their engagement in May 2024. Carter is also a co-founder and ambassador for an all-female football academy, showcasing her commitment to promoting women’s sports.
