Chelsea hunt a sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title, three English teams go for Champions League glory and the Lionesses fight to retain their Euros crown.
Here’s some of what you can look forward to in women’s football this year…
WSL final day – 11 May
The WSL returns this weekend, with all eyes on Chelsea as they chase a sixth consecutive title. The Blues currently lead the table, with a healthy six points over second-placed Manchester City, making them the team to beat.
Sonia Bompastor’s side had won every match of the campaign until Leicester held them to a 1-1 draw just before the winter break, so they will want to get back to their winning ways.
Last season went down to the final day, with Emma Hayes capping off her Chelsea tenure with one last trophy. This year, the question remains as to whether Manchester City, Arsenal, or any other contender can push the reigning champions to the final day, once again.
FA Cup final – 18 May
An unexpected final at Wembley in 2024 saw Manchester United defeat Tottenham Hotspur to win their first FA Cup. The WSL teams entered the competition over the weekend in the fourth round of the Cup – although some were postponed due to bad weather. After the rescheduled fourth round fixtures take place, here are the key dates for the competition.
The draw for the #AdobeWomensFACup fifth round is complete 🏆
Which tie are you most excited for? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/B9fU7imMoj
— Adobe Women’s FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) January 13, 2025
Fifth Round – 8/9 February
Quarter-finals – 8/9 March
Semi-finals – 12/13 April
The Final – 18 May
League Cup final – 15 March
The League Cup final will take place at Pride Park Stadium in Derby on Saturday 15 March. Eight teams remain in the competition: Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Brighton, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, and Durham – the only Championship side still in contention.
Arsenal triumphed over Chelsea in last year’s final, a game that might be remembered for a heated exchange between Emma Hayes and Jonas Eidevall at full-time.
Hayes and Eidevall may both be Stateside now, but the competition remains as hot as ever, with all the major teams still in the mix. The pick of the quarter-final fixtures is the Manchester Derby next week.
The draw for the quarter finals of the Subway Women’s League Cup has been made! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ERPApa4yF1
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) December 16, 2024
Quarter-finals – 22 January
Semi-finals – 5 February
The Final – 15 March
Champions League final – 24 May
With three English teams in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time, it should be an exciting road to Lisbon. Current holders Barcelona and eight-time winners Lyon remain in the competition standing in the way of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Friday 7 February.
Quarter-finals – First leg: 18/19 March ; Second leg: 26/27 March
Semi-finals – First leg: 19/20 April ; Second leg: 26/27 April
Final – 24 May
🏆 Who will be the 2025 #UWCL champions? 💭 pic.twitter.com/wwT15TNw8K
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) January 7, 2025
Women’s Nations League
Running from February until June, the Nations League will whet our appetites for the exciting summer of European football that lies ahead. England face Portugal, Spain and Belgium in their group within League A, matches which should give them some good competition ahead of the Euros.
EURO 2025 – 2-27 July
Saving the best for last, the Lionesses will aim to defend their crown in Switzerland in July.
England find themselves in the competition’s so-called ‘group of death’, facing France, the Netherlands, and Wales. However, Sarina Wiegman knows that retaining the European title will require overcoming the toughest opponents this summer.
With many familiar faces still on the scene alongside a new wave of talent, it will be fascinating to see how the Dutch manager assembles her squad. Bring it on!
Quarter-finals – 16-19 July
Semi-finals – 22-23 July
Final – 27 July
