Jess Carter

Jess Carter

Oct 27, 1997
#27 - Defender

Jess Carter is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for National Women's Soccer League club NJ/NY Gotham FC and the England national team.

Did You Know?

She is engaged to goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, her longtime teammate at Birmingham, Chelsea, and now Gotham FC (engaged May 2024).

She is an ambassador for an all-female football academy - The Judan Ali Football Academy.

She started her senior career at just 16, debuting for Birmingham City in a UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final — and was named Player of the Match!

She has played every position across the backline and even started her international youth career as a forward.

She was born in England to a British mother and African-American father — she holds dual UK and US citizenship.

Her biggest achievement—before winning the EUROs—was signing for Chelsea. At the time, she didn’t believe joining such a professional club was within reach, and later, being called up to the England squad felt just as significant.

Her worst habit is that she talks too much. She often speaks without thinking, and then finds herself needing to explain or clarify what she meant.

Her biggest influences are her family—her sisters, her partner, and her parents all inspire her in different ways.

A phrase she often says is “it is what it is.” That mindset helps her accept what she can’t control and move forward with life.

She used to be superstitious about wearing thermal skins under her football top—even in summer. After being advised against it, she stopped, but she still wears compression shorts under her match shorts every game.

Two songs that make her feel good are “Show Me Love” and “Got To Be.” She finds them powerful and uplifting, especially when she needs strength.

Her favourite place in the world is anywhere by the beach. She especially loves being near water in the evening, when it’s quiet and peaceful.

Her most valuable possessions include a necklace her dad gave her when she was 18, and a ring that belonged to her mum, which she treasures deeply.

Her worst fear is spiders. She’s genuinely terrified of them—whether they’re real, on TV, or even just toys.

She hates working out in the gym.


News

Man arrested over racist abuse sent to Englad's Jess Carter

A 59-year-old man has been arrested over racist and abusive messages sent to England defender Jess Carter during Euro 2025. The investigation, led by UK police forces, is ongoing as authorities vow to crack down on online hate. 

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Berger on her fiancĂ© Jess Carter: She’s shown the world what she can do

England's defender Jess Carter has had a tough time at the Euros, having been subjected to a wave of hateful racist comments, especially after the match against Sweden. Her fiancée and German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger says she is very proud of her.

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Why Jess Carter won't be involved in the London trophy parade?

Defender Jess Carter will not participate in the open‑top bus trophy parade or Downing Street celebrations in London. And here is why:

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No more knees before matches. After racist attacks on Jess Carter, football is looking for other ways to fight racism

The Lionesses defender Jess Carter has faced criticism for her performance in the tournament. However, most of it has been in the form of insults and racist abuse. The English team, her teammates, and Gotham FC, the club she plays for stood up behind her. 

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Best Actions

JESS CARTER back heel goal😍

Rising highest to head us in front! 🙌Jess Carter đŸ’„


Sponsors

Puma

Club Achievements

UEFA Women's Championship
FA Women's Super League
Women's FA Cup
FA Women's League Cup
FA Community Shield
FIFA Women's World Cup runner-up
Women's Finalissima
Arnold Clark Cup

Awards

PFA Community Champion Award
PFA Young Player of the Year
FA WSL PFA Team of the Year
Freedom of the City of London
Chelsea Women's Player's Player of the Year
UEFA Women's Champions League Team of the Season

Stats

Year Club AP GL
2024
-
present
NJ/NY Gotham FC 19 0
2018
-
2024
Chelsea 155 5
2013
-
2018
Birmingham City 94 1
International Stats
2017
-
present
England 42 2
2016
-
2019
England U21 5 1
2016
-
2016
England U20 3 0
2014
-
2014
England U19 3 1