# Malard aims to become legend with Bompastor at Chelsea

> Melvine Malard, the French footballer from Réunion island, reunites with manager Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea after moving from Manchester United to chase Champions League glory.
- Title: Malard aims to become legend with Bompastor at Chelsea
- Summary: Melvine Malard, the French footballer from Réunion island, reunites with manager Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea after moving from Manchester United to chase…
- Keywords: melvine malard, sonia bompastor, chelsea women, womens super league, champions league, réunion island, manchester united, ballon d'or, stamford bridge, chelsea fc, lions, sports
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/26/womens-super-league-chelsea-girl-from-island-melvine-malard-sees-reunion-sonia-bompastor-way-become-legend
- Published: 2026-09-26T07:00:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: melvine malard, sonia bompastor, chelsea women, womens super league, champions league, réunion island, manchester united, ballon d'or, stamford bridge, chelsea fc, lions, sports
## Reunion reunion
Melvine Malard left Réunion island to join Sonia Bompastor at Lyon, now they reunite at Chelsea.

> I will never forget Manchester United. They helped me make a change in my life when I really needed change.
## Champions League dream
Malard aims to win a Champions League title with Chelsea to become a legend, following her reunion with Bompastor.

> I want to write my name on a new page, but not any page, a page you remember.
## From island to Stamford Bridge
Malard grew up on Réunion, a small island east of Madagascar, and moved to France at 14 to join Bompastor.

> It’s a little island with a lot of people smiling, good life and good food.
## Bompastor’s influence
Bompastor and her assistant Camille Abily guide Malard’s development as legendary players with deep football knowledge.

> Sonia is also a legendary player, [her assistant and partner] Camille Abily also. They played football, they know football.
## Chelsea debut
Malard scored in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Birmingham and featured in the 1-0 win over Austria Vienna.

> It felt good, very good.
## Arsenal derby
Malard prepares to face Arsenal in a London derby at Stamford Bridge, her first major test with Chelsea.

> All players want to play this game. You train hard for these games against big teams in big stadiums.
## Family pride
Malard credits her family and fans for her happiness, saying she smiles because of their support.

> I smile because of those things, because I’m happy.
## Champions League path
Malard scored in qualifying for the Champions League, helping Chelsea advance with a 5-2 win over Real Sociedad.

> I made the difference with the score at 2-2 by scoring the first of her two goals 12 minutes later.
## Ballon d'or nomination
Malard is a Ballon d’Or nominee, highlighting her impact as a Chelsea player.

> It’s for that reason that I’m here. I don’t want to lose any time in my career.
## Key takeaway

Malard wants to win a Champions League title with Chelsea to become a legend, following her reunion with former manager Bompastor.