Alyssa Thompson's European Adventure: Chelsea's American Star Adjusts to New Life and Football Culture
Alyssa Thompson has rapidly established herself as a key figure at Chelsea Women's Football Club, making the significant transition from American soccer to the English game with remarkable poise. The 21-year-old forward, who became Chelsea's record signing during the September transfer deadline day, has opened up about the challenges and rewards of her move across the Atlantic.
From Angel City to Chelsea: A Dream Realised
Thompson's journey to Chelsea represents the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. "Since I was little, I have looked up to clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona," she reveals. "I feel like they are some of the biggest teams in the world. I've always wanted to eventually play in Europe and play on a team like Chelsea so when I got the opportunity, I couldn't say no." Her path began with Angel City in Los Angeles, where she was the first pick in the 2023 NWSL draft, creating a family affair with her younger sister Gisele also signing for the club.
The Personal Challenge: Leaving Home and Family Behind
The decision to leave California was not taken lightly. Thompson describes her time at Angel City as "a dream come true," with her family attending every match. Her national team manager, Emma Hayes, played a crucial role in her decision-making process. "She asked me: 'What are you going to do without Gisele?'" Thompson recalls. "And I was like: 'I don't know but I think I should [go].' She said that she was going to support me in anything I decide to do but just to make sure that it was the right decision for me."
Now settled at Chelsea's Cobham training facility, Thompson frames her experience in relatable terms. "I kind of think of this as like going away for college like all my friends did," she explains. "I didn't, so this is me kind of growing up and having to leave the home ... I've learned that I relied on my parents a lot. They did a lot of things for me that I didn't even realise."
Adapting to English Football and Climate
The adaptation extends beyond personal life to professional and environmental changes. "Living in a different place without my family is completely different from anything I've experienced before," Thompson notes. "It's a lot colder here. The city is very different from LA too. So, there has been a little bit to adjust to but my teammates have helped me so much." The presence of fellow USWNT players Naomi Girma and Cat Macário has provided valuable support during this transition period.
On the pitch, Thompson's adjustment has been impressively smooth. After making her Chelsea debut against Aston Villa in September, she scored her first goal at Stamford Bridge against Paris FC in the Champions League – an achievement she "did not expect to happen for six months or something." She has since become a regular starter under manager Sonia Bompastor.
Learning from Bompastor and World-Class Teammates
Thompson speaks highly of her manager's influence. "Sonia teaches me a lot," she says. "I feel like she's really a players' manager. Knowing that it's hard moving to a different country, I think she just wants me to feel integrated with the team. On the field, learning about mentality is something she talks about a lot and always being aggressive and going forward."
The American international has noticed distinct differences in playing styles between the NWSL and English football. "The style of play is just a little bit different," she observes. "In the NWSL, I feel more like we are in transition a lot ... Here you play so many different teams with different styles. Especially being able to play in Champions League, you play teams from like Spain and Italy and you experience different philosophies of soccer and tactics."
Thompson acknowledges her ongoing development. "I feel like I've had to learn a lot about my game because I've been adjusting so much. With that comes different things that I have to think about that I didn't have to before ... I have a lot of growth to do." She adds: "Just being around world-class players is amazing. I feel like I would just get better even if I wasn't playing. Being around so many amazing players that just teach me different things every day is really cool."
Embracing Rivalries and English Football Culture
Thompson has already experienced the intensity of English football rivalries, scoring a spectacular opener in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in November. "I was in awe of how many people were there and I could hear everything," she recalls. "It was really cool. Just being able to play at the Emirates was crazy. It's always going to be a rivalry when two really good teams face each other, but I don't think I really understood the history of the England culture of it all. I'm learning."
Looking ahead to upcoming fixtures, Thompson expresses excitement about playing at Stamford Bridge. "I love playing at Stamford Bridge. The field is amazing and just having our fans there and hearing the roars of the crowd is really exciting. I'm excited for a competitive game that hopefully we'll win." Her journey represents not just a professional move but a personal coming-of-age story as she navigates the challenges and opportunities of her European football adventure.
