Jess Carter’s Career: Transfer, Relationship & Parade Absence

Few football transfers spark as much curiosity as one that also sidelines a player from a national team celebration. Jess Carter’s summer 2024 move from Chelsea to NJ/NY Gotham FC did exactly that.

Current club: NJ/NY Gotham FC ·
Previous club: Chelsea ·
Position: Centre-back ·
England caps: 33 (as of 2024) ·
Date of birth: 27 October 1997

Seven facts, one pattern: Jess Carter’s profile spans personal milestones and professional pivots.

Is Jess Carter in a relationship?

Who is Jess Carter’s partner?

Jess Carter is in a relationship with fellow professional footballer Ann-Katrin Berger, a goalkeeper who played for Chelsea and later for Gotham FC. The couple has been together since at least 2022, according to multiple media reports and shared social media appearances (Wikipedia (collaborative encyclopedia)). Both have been active in the women’s game at the highest level.

How long have Jess Carter and Ann Katrin Berger been together?

While the exact start date of their relationship is not publicly documented, they have been openly seen together since 2022. Public appearances and joint posts on social media confirm their relationship, and both have spoken warmly about each other in interviews (SheKicks (women’s football news outlet)). The relationship has been a consistent topic among fans, especially after both moved to the NWSL.

What this means: Carter’s personal life and career moves are closely linked, and her move to Gotham FC was shaped by both.

Has Jess Carter left Chelsea?

Where did Jess Carter move?

Carter left Chelsea in July 2024 to join NWSL side NJ/NY Gotham FC. The move was announced by Gotham FC (club’s official website) on July 29, 2024, with a multi-year contract through 2026. Gotham FC stated that Carter would be available for matches after August 1, 2024.

What was the transfer fee?

The transfer fee was not disclosed. Official sources from both clubs declined to comment on the financial details, and no public figure has been reported (ESPN (major sports broadcaster)). This is common in women’s football transfers, where fees often remain private.

The implication: Carter ended her six-year stint at Chelsea, where she won five Women’s Super League titles, to seek a new challenge in the NWSL. The move also reunited her personally with Berger, who joined Gotham FC in early 2025.

Why was Jess Carter not at the parade?

Carter was the only England squad member absent from the open-top bus parade through central London on Tuesday after England won Euro 2025. ESPN (major sports broadcaster) reported that she had already flown back to the United States to rejoin Gotham FC for NWSL pre-season duties. She also missed the official reception at 10 Downing Street on Monday.

SheKicks (women’s football news outlet) reported that the decision to return to her club early was her own, and that she thanked both England and Gotham FC for supporting her choice. Gotham FC listed her as available for their Saturday match against the Chicago Stars.

The catch: balancing club and country commitments is becoming more complex for players in the NWSL.

What are Jess Carter’s career achievements?

How many trophies has Jess Carter won with Chelsea?

During her time at Chelsea from 2018 to 2024, Carter won five Women’s Super League titles, as confirmed by Gotham FC’s announcement (club’s official website). She also contributed to several FA Cup and League Cup wins.

What is Jess Carter’s international career like?

Carter made her senior England debut in 2017 and has since earned over 30 caps. She was part of the squad that won UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 on home soil (England Football (national team governing body)). She also played in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, where England finished as runners-up.

The pattern: Carter’s trophy cabinet is heavy with domestic league titles, yet her international career continues to evolve. Her caps have grown steadily, and she remains a regular call-up for major tournaments.

What is Jess Carter’s injury history?

Has Jess Carter missed games due to injury?

Carter has had minor injuries but no major long-term absences reported. She maintained consistent availability throughout her Chelsea tenure and has not had any recorded significant injuries (Wikipedia (collaborative encyclopedia)). Her durability has been a key asset for both club and country, allowing her to feature regularly across seasons.

The catch: While she has avoided major setbacks, the demands of playing across two leagues and international windows will test her fitness resilience in the coming seasons.

Timeline

• 27 Oct 1997 – Born in England
• 2016 – Senior debut for Birmingham City (Wikipedia)
• 2018 – Joins Chelsea (Gotham FC)
• 2022 – Wins Euro 2022 with England (England Football)
• 2024 – Leaves Chelsea, joins NJ/NY Gotham FC (Gotham FC)
• 2025 – Misses Lionesses parade due to NWSL duties (ESPN)

The implication: Carter’s career has been marked by steady progression and key decisions at pivotal moments.

Clarity: Confirmed vs. Unclear

What this means: most of the key facts about Carter’s move are confirmed, while some personal details remain private.

Quotes

“Gotham had quickly become ‘a family and a team’ to me.”

Jess Carter, speaking to SheKicks (SheKicks)

“We are thrilled to add a player of Jess’s caliber to our squad.”

Gotham FC official statement (Gotham FC)

Carter’s decision to prioritise her club over the national team parade signals a shift in how NWSL commitments are balanced with international duty. For the England setup, it means adapting to a world where top players are spread across continents. For Carter, the choice is clear: build a life and career in the United States, or risk being caught between two demanding schedules.

Frequently asked questions