Super Fran Kirby now Chelsea FCW’s all-time leading scorer

To say that Fran Kirby has been on a tear this season would not only be an understatement, but without full context cannot possibly begin to describe how incredible she’s been. Kirby, who joined Chelsea in 2015, made only four appearances (two starts) last season before the effects of pericarditis sidelined her for the rest of season. The Chelsea forward reported extreme exhaustion and shortness of breath, and at one point even considered ending her footballing career.

We are so thankful she didn’t, and also for her full recovery.

This season, Fran Kirby has been in the form of her career, scoring five goals and four assists in just six starts. Two of those goals came in Chelsea’s return to Champions League competition, as the Blues defeated Benfica 5-0 in Portugal. Those goals put her ahead of now-former Chelsea FCW top scorer Eniola Aluko (who recorded a lovely congratulatory message for Super Fran Kirby).

Kirby has been through a lot in her Chelsea career, and it is a testament to her resilience, strength, humanness, and love of the game that she continues to return to the pitch, and push herself further. Kirby now sits at 70 goals in her five-year Chelsea career, and if her current form keeps up, there’s no telling how high that number can go.

Always up for a laugh, Fran responded to a video from the club highlighting her accomplishment with a delightful observation...

We all congratulate Fran Kirby on this achievement, and even more on the person she is and who she has become. She is not only one of the best footballers England have ever seen, she’s also one of football’s best ever people. It’s an absolute honor to have her put on the Chelsea shirt.

Congratulations, Fran!