Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has been awarded an OBE for her services to football in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.
The 45-year-old already has an MBE for her services to the game but she has now been included in the New Year’s Honours list for an OBE. FAWSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official Chelsea press release earlier this evening.
The award comes less than a month after Chelsea completed the English quadruple by lifting the Vitality Women’s FA Cup at Wembley. Hayes also guided her side to a first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League final during 2021.
Off the field, Hayes has impressed with her outstanding punditry for various broadcasters. She held a starring role on the ITV panel during the UEFA EURO 2020 in the summer. Hayes stole the show as she brought a new level of punditry to our screens, winning the hearts of the nation.
After receiving news of her OBE, Hayes said “It was a huge shock to hear I had been awarded an OBE. It’s an unbelievable honour for me and my family and a privilege I take very seriously.
“I would like to thank everyone who has worked with me across my career. I am fortunate and extremely lucky to have represented a fantastic football club and an amazing group of people over these past ten years.
“It’s been an unbelievable ride so far, transforming from an amateur outfit to one of the top five clubs in Europe and I hope we’ve helped to pave the way for future generations to come. I couldn’t have done it without the support, and I will be forever grateful to each and every one of them.
“A special big thanks to my mum and dad and wider family for their unwavering support throughout. This is for you.”
Hayes is already a legend of the women’s game but she is one who continues to seek new heights and she will undoubtedly collect many more on and off-field honours in the future.