Bompastor Reunion Helps Malard Solve Chelsea's Striker Problem After Kerr's Exit

Posted : 14 November 2026

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has found an effective solution to her team's attacking concerns through the arrival of French forward Melvine Malard, whose impressive start has helped fill the void left by Sam Kerr's departure.

The 26-year-old joined Chelsea from Manchester United in July 2026 and has quickly established herself as an important figure in Bompastor's attacking plans. She needed just six appearances to match the six Women's Super League goals she scored throughout the previous campaign.

Their reunion is particularly special because Bompastor first discovered Malard as a 14-year-old at France's national football academy in Clairefontaine in 2014.

At the time, Bompastor was Lyon's head of youth development. She spotted the promising forward during a tournament after Malard travelled from Reunion Island, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean.

Impressed by her potential, Bompastor convinced her to move nearly 6,000 miles from home to continue her football development in France.

Persuading Malard's mother was not straightforward. However, Bompastor explained that establishing trust was essential to convincing the family that the teenager would receive proper guidance and support.

Malard initially struggled with the transition, particularly the cold winters in Lyon compared with the tropical climate of Reunion Island.

She even considered returning home because of the difficult adjustment. However, the opportunity to join one of Europe's leading women's football clubs eventually convinced her to stay.

Bompastor's influence extended beyond football. She closely monitored Malard's education and regularly contacted her whenever concerns emerged about her school performance.

Their relationship continued as Malard progressed through Lyon's academy before making her first-team debut at 17 in 2017.

The partnership reached a major milestone during the 2021-22 season when Bompastor led Lyon to the UEFA Women's Champions League title. Malard started the final against Barcelona, helping Lyon secure a 3-1 victory.

Malard's Impressive Chelsea Numbers

The forward's performances since joining Chelsea suggest that her reunion with Bompastor has brought significant improvements to her attacking game.

During the 2025-26 season at Manchester United, Malard averaged 3.4 shots and 6.2 touches inside the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes.

Those numbers have increased to 5.4 shots and 11.8 penalty-area touches per 90 minutes at Chelsea.

Her expected goals average has also risen from 0.5 to 1.1 per 90 minutes, while her shot conversion rate has improved from 10.5% to 22.2%.

Bompastor believes the improvement reflects Malard's overall development, including her technical ability, movement and understanding of the game.

The Chelsea manager also values her versatility, as she can operate as a central striker or on either wing.

Chelsea have recorded 13 different goalscorers in the WSL this season, with Malard leading the club's scoring charts with six goals.

The Blues enter Saturday's meeting with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge after surrendering their position at the top of the table following a draw against Everton. The defending champions will need a strong performance against City to strengthen their title ambitions.

Beyond club football, Bompastor has set Malard an ambitious international target: becoming France's leading striker at next summer's World Cup and helping her country win the tournament.

Bompastor Reunion Helps Malard Solve Chelsea's Striker Problem After Kerr's Exit

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