Australian starlet Ellie Carpenter makes history as she joins the top team in women’s football.
The full-back has signed an agreement with French Champions Olympique Lyonnais.
She will be able to join the star-studded team once the transfer window opens and pending a medical.
Carpenter rose to the limelight in last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup where she helped Australia reach the knockout stages.
Although the Matilda’s lost to Norway on penalties, Carpenter’s talent was clear to see.
The 20-year-old might be young but she has already built quite the resume.
She began her career with the Western Sydney Wanderers at the age of 15 before being selected for the national team a year later.
Two years ago, Carpenter became the youngest player to take to the field in the NWSL. She also became the youngest scorer in the history of the United States’ top division shortly after.
Embed from Getty ImagesMore recently, she won the W-League Premiership and Championship with Melbourne City.
The Cowry-born defender will now become the third Australian to play in the Division 1 Féminine following Mary Fowler (Montpellier) and Emma Checker (FC Fleury 91).
Carpenter’s move to Lyon adds her to a list of superstars including Ada Hegerberg, Dzsenifer Maroszán and Wendie Renard.
Which begs the question: What does this mean for Lucy Bronze?
They both play in the same position.
Does this mean Ellie Carpenter is being brought in to replace the England international?
Or will she have the opportunity to train under the world’s best?
Bronze finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or race behind American Megan Rapinoe and is arguably the world’s best defender.
Regardless of Bronze’s future, Carpenter’s move to Lyon will go down as Australia’s most high profile football transfer to date.
