Chloe Kelly reflects on the dark time that changed her career – and why she hopes it inspired others.

Chloe Kelly reflects on the dark time that changed her career – and why she hopes it inspired others.

 

 

 

English forward Chloe Kelly has candidly described the start of the 2024‑25 season as a “dark time” in her career — a period that tested her mentally and ultimately helped reshape her professional outlook.

The low point

After joining Manchester City W.F.C. in 2020, Kelly found herself struggling for game time at the start of the 2024‑25 campaign. She started just one Women’s Super League game in the first six matches and was unused in many key fixtures, including the Manchester derby.

She revealed that:

> “It has been tough mentally … It was still a dark time for me because I didn’t know how my future looked.”

She also pointed out how the situation was more than just professional frustration — it was affecting her sense of identity and wellbeing.

Taking a stand and turning a corner

In January, Kelly made a decisive move: she released a public statement about her desire to leave and the mental impact of her situation.

> “I felt a sigh of relief after I shared my statement … I felt powerful, as women we should.”

Shortly after, she joined Arsenal W.F.C. on loan until the end of the season — a move that helped reignite her career and lifted her spirits.

She hasn’t sugar‑coated how low she’d felt. For Kelly, the message was simple: sport isn’t always a straight upward line.

What she learned

Kelly says that despite the turbulence she’s come out stronger and more focused:

She emphasises using one’s support network — family, friends, even a puppy she got during that time — to keep grounded.

She stresses the importance of emotional honesty: speaking up when something isn’t right. “We should have a voice,” she said.

She realises that resilience matters: her earlier recovery from an ACL injury in 2022 taught her how to bounce back. Now she’s channelled that into getting back on track.

Why she hopes it inspires others

Kelly frames her experience not just as a personal setback, but as a message for other athletes (and people) that:

> “Tough times don’t last.”

By being open about her mental‑health struggles, playing time frustrations and career uncertainty, she’s helping normalise the idea that success isn’t always linear. She wants others to see that even in elite sport, there are long nights, doubts and detours — and that responding is part of the journey.

Where she is now

With the darkest phase behind her, Kelly says she’s happy again and ready to focus on contributing on the pitch:

> “I’m ready to move forward … I want to be happy.”

Her loan move to Arsenal provided fresh purpose and proximity to home — factors she says have helped. She remains ambitious, motivated to reclaim her place in the national squad and show what she’s capable of.

In sum: Chloe Kelly turned what she calls a “dark time” into a catalyst for change. By speaking out, embracing support, accepting the hard truths and moving decisively, she’s emerged stronger and more self‑aware. Her hope is that others going through difficult patches — in sport or life — see that the low points can be meaningful, not just endured.