Chelsea wonderkid Nelly Las aiming to surpass Lucy Bronze after dream summer move

For years, Nelly Las dreamed of becoming the next Lucy Bronze.

Now, after completing a summer move to Chelsea, the 18-year-old will have the opportunity to train alongside the England legend every day at Cobham.

It marks another remarkable chapter in the rapid rise of one of English football’s brightest young talents—one who has never hidden her ambition to one day become even better than the player she grew up idolising.

From admirer to teammate

Las has spoken openly about the influence Bronze had on her development.

As a youngster, she studied the Lionesses defender and modelled aspects of her game on one of England’s greatest-ever full-backs.

That dream became reality last season when she shared the pitch with Bronze during Leicester City’s impressive 1-1 Women’s Super League draw against Chelsea.

Now, the pair will wear the same shirt.

“It’s kind of crazy being here and knowing she’s going to be my team-mate,” Las admitted after completing her move to west London.

Her ambition, however, extends beyond simply learning from Bronze.

Just over a year ago, Las confidently declared: “I want to be like Lucy Bronze—better than her even.”

Chelsea now provides the perfect environment to chase that goal.

Why Chelsea wanted her

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has built a reputation for identifying and developing elite young talent.

Having overseen Lyon’s academy before becoming one of Europe’s most successful head coaches, the Frenchwoman understands exactly what potential looks like.

Las fits that profile perfectly.

The Blues see the teenager as a long-term investment capable of developing into one of Europe’s top full-backs, with daily competition against world-class players such as Bronze and Australian international Ellie Carpenter expected to accelerate her progress.

As Chelsea rebuild following their most disappointing Women’s Super League campaign in seven years, recruiting high-upside young talent has become a major part of the club’s strategy.

Football has always been part of her life

Born in England to Slovakian parents, Las—whose full surname is Lasova—grew up in Leicester alongside her twin brother Noel and older brother Tobias.

Football quickly became the family’s shared passion.

She first played alongside boys at Beaumont Park before Leicester City identified her talent as a youngster.

Although she briefly joined Leicester earlier, her mother Paula believed additional development elsewhere would better serve her daughter’s future, a decision that proved crucial in shaping her career.

Las eventually returned to Leicester’s academy at 13 and quickly established herself as one of the club’s standout prospects.

Away from organised training, she invested heavily in her own development through gym work, strength training and private coaching sessions.

That dedication helped mould the explosive athleticism and technical quality that now define her game.

Rising through England’s ranks

Las’ development quickly extended onto the international stage.

Choosing to represent England despite her Slovakian heritage, she became a regular throughout the youth pathway.

She helped England reach the final of the 2024 UEFA Under-17 European Championship before featuring in the semi-finals of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup later that year.

Since then, she has continued progressing through the Under-19 and Under-20 squads, with another World Cup opportunity on the horizon.

Her versatility, pace and attacking instincts have made her one of the country’s most exciting defensive prospects.

A breakthrough that caught Chelsea’s attention

Las made her senior Leicester debut in October 2024 at just 16 years old under former head coach Amandine Miquel.

The French coach, renowned for nurturing young players, immediately recognised her potential.

Before the season ended, Las had made 17 senior appearances, scored her first goals and established herself as one of the Women’s Super League’s most exciting emerging talents.

Her standout moment arrived in the FA Cup against Manchester City.

Although Leicester were comfortably beaten, Las scored a memorable late goal that showcased both her composure and attacking quality.

It was the type of performance that convinced Chelsea they needed to move quickly.

A difficult second season

Momentum slowed during the 2025-26 campaign.

Miquel’s unexpected departure shortly before the season began disrupted Las’ progress, while new manager Rick Passmoor handed her limited opportunities before sanctioning a January loan to Ipswich Town.

Game time remained scarce, with just two appearances during her spell away.

Despite the lack of minutes, Chelsea never lost faith.

The Blues activated the release clause in her Leicester contract this summer, handing Las a four-year deal.

“It feels absolutely amazing,” she said after signing.

“It’s something you dream of when you start football, to sign for a team like Chelsea and to reach a level like this. I’m speechless.”

A future full of possibilities

Chelsea’s expectations are significant, but so is Las’ potential.

Working alongside experienced internationals such as Lucy Bronze and Ellie Carpenter gives the teenager access to two of the finest full-backs in women’s football.

If she continues to develop at her current rate, the player who once dreamed of becoming the next Lucy Bronze may eventually fulfil her bold promise of forging an even greater legacy.

For Chelsea, that possibility made the investment an easy decision.

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