Few defenders in women’s football have matched the consistency and versatility of Jess Carter. Born in Warwick, England, on 27 October 1997, she has built a career that spans top clubs in England and the United States, while remaining a cornerstone of the England Women’s National Team (the Lionesses). Her 2025 season was historic: she became the first player to win both the UEFA European Championship and the NWSL Championship in the same calendar year.
Carter’s journey from Birmingham City’s academy to Chelsea’s dominant WSL side, and now to Gotham FC in the NWSL, reflects a player who thrives under pressure. Off the pitch, she keeps her personal life largely private, though her relationship with German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has been publicly acknowledged.
Who is Jess Carter’s partner?
- Jess Carter is a key defender for both club and country, known for her versatility and composure.
- She transferred from Chelsea to Gotham FC in 2024 after a highly successful tenure.
- Despite public interest, Carter keeps her personal life private; no official confirmation of partner or marriage.
- She earned her first senior England call-up in November 2017 and debuted against Kazakhstan.
- At Chelsea, she won five consecutive WSL titles and a domestic treble.
- In 2025, she started all three postseason matches for Gotham FC, securing her first NWSL title.
- She has a younger sister, though her name is not widely publicized.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 27 October 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Warwick, England |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Youth Career | Warwick Juniors, Birmingham City |
| Senior Clubs | Birmingham City (2013–2018), Chelsea (2018–2024), Gotham FC (2024–present) |
| International Debut | 2017 vs. France |
| Major Honours | UEFA Euro 2022, FA WSL (5 titles), FA Cup (3), League Cup (2) |
Carter’s partner is Ann-Katrin Berger, a German professional goalkeeper who plays for Chelsea FC Women and the German national team. The couple have spoken publicly about their relationship, including the unique experience of playing for the same club and facing each other internationally. However, Carter has not officially confirmed the relationship in formal statements, and no marriage or engagement has been publicly announced.
Carter’s parents are not named in publicly available sources. She has a younger sister, but her name is not widely known. Her ethnicity has not been publicly disclosed; based on her birthplace and appearance, she is likely White British, but this is speculative.
Which team does Jess Carter play for?
Jess Carter currently plays for NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She transferred from Chelsea on July 29, 2024, after six seasons with the London club. The move marked a new chapter in her career, bringing her experience to a growing NWSL side.
Did Jess Carter play for Chelsea?
Yes. Carter joined Chelsea at age 19 in 2018 and spent six seasons there. She helped the club win the domestic treble (WSL, FA Cup, League Cup) and five consecutive WSL titles. In the 2023–24 season, she featured in 21 matches, recording a team-leading 61 clearances and 12 interceptions. She scored her first Chelsea goal in a 6–1 win over Bristol City in the 2019–20 season.
What is her role at Gotham FC?
Carter plays as a centre-back, often starting in a back three or four. In 2024, she started all 10 regular-season matches and logged 853 minutes. In 2025, she started 23 regular-season matches and all three postseason matches, earning her first NWSL title. She became the first player to win both the UEFA European Championship and the NWSL Championship in the same calendar year.
Carter began at Birmingham City’s academy at age 15 and made her professional debut at 16 in a UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinal. She also briefly played rugby for Worcester Warriors girls’ team before committing to football at age 16.
Is Jess Carter injured?
As of the latest available information, Jess Carter is not injured. She is active with Gotham FC and the England national team. The last known minor injury was reported in 2023 during her time at Chelsea, but no recent injury updates have been issued. Her current fitness is reflected in her consistent starting appearances for both club and country.
How old is Jess Carter?
Jess Carter was born on October 27, 1997, making her 27 years old as of 2025. She will turn 28 in October 2025. Her birthplace is Warwick, England, where she grew up and began playing football at Warwick Juniors.
What are the key milestones in Jess Carter’s career?
- 1997: Born in Warwick, England.
- 2013: Makes senior debut for Birmingham City at age 15.
- 2017: Makes England debut against Kazakhstan.
- 2018: Transfers to Chelsea.
- 2022: Wins Euro 2022 with England, appears in group stage.
- 2023: Awarded MBE in New Year Honours.
- 2024: Moves to NWSL club Gotham FC.
- 2025: Wins Euro 2025 and NWSL Championship in the same year.
What is known and unknown about Jess Carter’s personal life?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| She has a younger sister. | Her parents’ names and professions are not publicly available. |
| She is in a relationship with Ann-Katrin Berger (publicly discussed). | No official confirmation of marriage or engagement. |
| She is currently fit and playing. | No detailed injury history beyond minor 2023 issue. |
| Her ethnicity is not officially disclosed. | Likely White British based on birthplace, but not confirmed. |
What is Jess Carter’s playing style and role?
Carter is a left-footed centre-back known for her composure in possession and strength in duels. She is comfortable building from the back and has played in both back three and back four formations. Under Sarina Wiegman, she became a regular starter for England after Euro 2022, often deputizing for or alongside Leah Williamson and Millie Bright.
At Gotham FC, she has brought leadership and experience to a team that reached the NWSL final in 2025. Her ability to read the game and make timely interceptions has been a key asset.
What do teammates and coaches say about Jess Carter?
“Jess is a fantastic defender with great composure on the ball.”
— Emma Hayes (former Chelsea manager), Chelsea FC official website
“She’s been a great addition to the squad, bringing leadership and quality.”
— Gotham FC coach, club press release
What is next for Jess Carter?
Carter will continue playing for Gotham FC in the 2025 NWSL season. She is expected to be called up for England’s upcoming friendlies and Euro 2025 qualifiers. Longer term, she may return to the WSL or retire after her NWSL stint, but no official plans have been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jess Carter engaged or married?
There is no confirmed public information. She is rumored to be in a relationship with fellow footballer Ann-Katrin Berger, but neither has confirmed this.
What is Jess Carter’s net worth?
Not publicly available. Estimated in the range of £1–3 million based on WSL salaries and endorsements.
Does Jess Carter have any siblings?
Yes, she has a younger sister, but her name is not widely publicized.
Why did Jess Carter leave Chelsea?
She transferred to Gotham FC in 2024 for a new challenge and more playing time in the NWSL.
What position does Jess Carter play?
She plays as a centre-back, primarily on the left side.
How many England caps does Jess Carter have?
She has 53 senior caps (as of 2025).
Did Jess Carter play rugby?
She briefly played rugby for Worcester Warriors girls’ team before choosing football at age 16.
What honours has Jess Carter won?
UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, Euro 2025, NWSL Championship 2025, five FA WSL titles, FA Cup (3), League Cup (2).
Is Jess Carter on Instagram?
Yes, her official Instagram account is @_jesslcarter.
What is Jess Carter’s legacy number for England?
Her legacy number is 201.
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Diane Forbes leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Edinburgh Wire.