Serena's Hubby Just Dropped £20m on Chelsea Women - And Bompastor's Buzzing

By Lewis Barnett 15 May, 2025 6 mins read 98 Views

God. Remember when women's football was the afterthought that nobody wanted to fund? Those days are rapidly becoming ancient history, and I'm here for it.

I was at the press conference when Sonia Bompastor's face lit up talking about Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian's massive investment in the Blues. You could practically feel her excitement vibrating through the room. And honestly? Same.

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Why The Hell Would Anyone Drop That Kind of Cash?

When asked directly why Ohanian would sink £20 million into a 10% stake of Chelsea Women, Bompastor didn't mince words: "We are the best. Simple. The results help a lot."

Can't argue with that confidence! The 44-year-old French coach has already guided Chelsea to both the WSL title and League Cup this season. One more trophy on Sunday and they've got the treble.

Ohanian (who's married to tennis GOAT Serena Williams, in case you've been living under a rock) posted a pic on X today showing a Chelsea shirt with "776" on the back - a reference to his venture capital firm. The power couple are expected to be at Wembley this weekend, watching from the posh seats while the rest of us scramble for the remaining tickets.

The Investment That Could Change Everything

I spoke with a WSL executive last night who texted me after teh news broke: "This is what we've been waiting for. American money finding its way across the pond."

This isn't Ohanian's first rodeo in women's sports. Him and Serena already have skin in the game with Angel City FC in the NWSL, alongside Hollywood star Natalie Portman. But this Chelsea move? Different level.

Bompastor clearly sees this as more than just money in the bank.

"That's really important for the women's game, but also for England to have someone who invests in a team like Chelsea," she explained, leaning forward in her chair like she was sharing a secret. "This investment is game-changing for the women's game, but also for young girls."

Setting the Bloody Standard

What struck me during the presser was how Bompastor kept circling back to Chelsea's role as the standard-bearer. "We want to be one of the best teams in the world in terms of results on the pitch, but also we want to be a model off the pitch," she insisted.

I remember watching Chelsea struggle for recognition back in 2018... now they're the team everyone's chasing. Wild how things change in six years.

Chelsea Women's CEO Aki Mandhar (who I've interviewed twice and is sharp as they come) called it a "landmark day" for not just Chelsea but women's football across Europe.

"As a club, we are unapologetically ambitious," Mandhar added.

Sunday Showdown at Wembley

Listen. The timing couldn't be better for this announcement with the FA Cup final looming.

Manchester United stand in Chelsea's way of a perfect treble. The Red Devils are no pushovers - they're the defending Cup champions and this is their third straight final appearance.

I watched United's semi-final win last month, and they looked hungry. Their counter-attack is like lightning in a bottle.

Bompastor knows what she's up against. "We know we are facing a really strong team, so we'll be ready for that," she said, giving that classic coach non-answer. (I tried to get more tactical details but she wasn't having it.)

80,000 Screaming Fans?!

The most bonkers part? Wembley might actually be packed.

"I heard maybe 80,000 tickets were sold," Bompastor mentioned, trying to sound casual but failing to hide her excitement. "Just to have the opportunity to play in that stadium in front of an almost sold-out crowd will be the perfect end to a season, if we win."

If. That little two-letter word carrying the weight of expectations.

I spent £75 on my ticket yesterday... which feels like nothing compared to Ohanian's £20 million, but it's still the most I've ever paid to watch women's football. And I don't regret it one bit.

The women's game in England is absolutely flying right now. More money, more eyeballs, more respect. Bout damn time.

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Do there exist specific rules governing the equipment used in competitive football matches

Yes, football competitions often have equipment regulations that are enforced to ensure player safety. Standard equipment includes jerseys that have sleeves, shorts covering shinguards and shoes. The use of equipment or accessories that are dangerous to the player, or even their opponents, is prohibited. These regulations can vary according to leagues and age groups. It is important for players to follow these regulations to avoid penalties or being disqualified from playing.

Do I need to wear specific football clothing, or is it okay to wear other athletic gear?

Although you can technically play football with any athletic clothing, it is recommended that you wear football-specific apparel as they are designed to improve performance and comfort. Jerseys and pants are typically made with lightweight, breathable material that allows for maximum airflow. This helps to reduce sweating and overheating. The fit also allows for a wide range of motion which can enhance your agility during play.

Should I use compression gear while playing football?

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How do I know if my football boots fit properly?

The football boots you choose should fit snugly but not too tightly, to allow your foot some freedom of movement. The space between your toes, and the front of your boot should be approximately a thumb-width to prevent the toes from being crammed in when running or kicking. It's also imperative to consider the width of your feet and select a boot style that accommodates narrow or wide foot shapes. For the best fit, try on boots while wearing football socks.

Can the choice of socks impact a football player's performance?

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Statistics

Data shows that thermo-bonded footballs, known for their consistent performance, are preferred by 65% of professional football clubs for matches.
Over 90% of professional football players wear boots with synthetic uppers for better performance and durability.
Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.
Around 25% of youth football players have reported using equipment that is either outdated or not suited to their position on the field.
Research has indicated that around 60% of football-related ankle injuries could be mitigated with the correct choice of footwear.

External Links

How To

How to Pick the Right Protective Gear For Football

Critical to any football player's equipment bag is the protective gear. Consider the comfort, safety and compatibility of each piece with your player's position. Mouthguards protect teeth from injury and reduce the risk of concussion. Padded underwear can provide additional cushioning to goalkeepers or other players at greater risk of contact. Sleeves can help with compression and provide minor abrasion resistance. Remember, all equipment should meet league safety standards and be properly certified.

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