The James Siblings: Reece and Lauren's Football Journey

Lauren James' inspiring journey from Chelsea's academy to becoming a key player for the England women's national team and Chelsea FC Women.

Lauren James wasn't part of the Lionesses' squad when they won England's first-ever European Championship in 2022 under...

Lauren James: The Talented Sister of Reece James

Lauren James is a skilled English footballer who plays as a forward for Chelsea FC Women in the FA Women’s Super League and the England women's national team. Born on September 29, 2001, she has made a name for herself in women's football with her impressive performances. Lauren is the younger sister of Reece James, Chelsea FC's captain and England national team defender.

Achievements and Career Highlights

Lauren's football journey began at Chelsea's youth academy before she was scouted by Arsenal at 13. She debuted for Arsenal in 2017, becoming the second-youngest player in the club's history. Lauren later joined Manchester United, where she showcased her talent and goal-scoring abilities, finishing as the club's top scorer in the 2019-20 season. In 2021, she signed a four-year contract with Chelsea, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Notable Awards and Honors

PFA Women's Young Player of the Year: Lauren won this prestigious award in 2023, recognizing her outstanding performances for Chelsea and England.

Arnold Clark Cup Player of the Tournament: She was named the best player in the Arnold Clark Cup in 2023, showcasing her skills against top international teams.

Chelsea Women's Player of the Year: Lauren was honored as Chelsea Women's Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season, solidifying her position as a key player for the team.

FA Cup and WSL Titles: Lauren won multiple FA Cups and WSL titles with Chelsea, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure and contribute to her team's success.

Lauren: POTM vs Spain 🇪🇸
Reece: POTM vs Latvia 🇱🇻

The James family 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CzEQ13HNF7

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 25, 2025

International Success

Lauren has represented England at various youth levels and made her senior debut in 2022. She played a crucial role in England's 2023 Women's World Cup campaign, scoring important goals and providing assists. Lauren's performances have earned her recognition as one of the most promising young players in women's football.

But you might not know that Reece has a talented sister, Lauren James, who also plays for Chelsea FC Women, a London giant. Just a few weeks ago, Lauren lifted the European Championship trophy after a stellar performance with England's Lionesses. Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman relied heavily on Lauren as a key player in England's attack. And for good reason - Lauren started every match at the Euros and scored crucial goals, showcasing her skills on the biggest stage.

Lauren James' Potential for Success

Lauren James, the talented Chelsea FC Women player, may surpass her brother Reece James' trophy haul. While Reece has enjoyed success with Chelsea's men's team, including multiple Premier League titles and European trophies, Lauren's team has consistently dominated the Women's Super League, winning six consecutive league titles and adding domestic cups to their collection.

Key Factors in Lauren's Favor

• Women's Team Success: Chelsea Women have been a dominant force in the Women's Super League, with six consecutive league titles and multiple domestic cup wins.

• Trophy Potential: With the team's consistent success, Lauren has a strong chance of adding to her trophy collection, potentially surpassing her brother's achievements.

• Champions League Ambition: The only major trophy missing from Chelsea Women's collection is the Women's Champions League title, which could be a target for Lauren and her team in the future.

Lauren James began her football journey at Chelsea's academy as a six-year-old, following in the footsteps of her older brother Reece James. This early start was a dream come true for Lauren, who grew up idolizing Eden Hazard, the Belgian winger known for his exceptional skills on the field. The siblings' shared passion for football led to them playing together in several tournaments, creating cherished memories. As Reece fondly recalls, “Lauren and I played together in several tournaments on the same team. It was great to play with her and win together.” This experience not only strengthened their bond but also laid the foundation for Lauren's future success in football.

Lauren James' Football Journey

Lauren James, sister of Chelsea's captain Reece James, has carved out an impressive career in women's football. She began her youth career at Chelsea's academy before moving to Arsenal, where she made her senior debut at just 16 years old. Lauren then joined Manchester United in 2018, showcasing her goal-scoring prowess with 22 goals in 40 matches. In 2021, she returned to Chelsea, signing a four-year contract and becoming a key player for the team.

Outperforming Her Brother in Silverware

Lauren's decision to return to Chelsea has paid off, with the team dominating the Women's Super League (WSL) and winning multiple FA Cups. This success has allowed Lauren to surpass her brother Reece's trophy haul, solidifying her position as a top talent in women's football. 

Some of Lauren's notable achievements include:

PFA Women's Young Player of the Year: Won in 2023, recognizing her outstanding performances for Chelsea and England

WSL Titles: Four consecutive league titles with Chelsea, showcasing her team's dominance

FA Cups: Two FA Cup wins with Chelsea, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure

International Success: Represented England at the 2023 Women's World Cup, scoring crucial goals and providing assists

Lauren and Reece James have become the first brother and sister duo to represent the same club and national team at the highest level, making their achievements even more remarkable.

Lauren James wasn't part of the Lionesses' squad when they won England's first-ever European Championship in 2022 under captain Leah Williamson at a sold-out Wembley. However, she has since established herself as a key player for England, showcasing her skills in the blue shirt. In 2025, James was named to the England squad for the UEFA Women's Euro, solidifying her position as one of the most prominent players in English football.

The James Family's Football Legacy

Lauren James credits her older brother Reece James as her biggest football inspiration. The siblings' passion for football was nurtured by their parents, Nigel and Emma. Nigel, a UEFA-licensed coach, and Emma, a supportive mother, ensured both children received equal encouragement and opportunities to pursue their football dreams. Their parents' approach paid off, as both Lauren and Reece have achieved immense success in their respective careers, with Lauren excelling in the Women's Super League and Reece becoming a key player for Chelsea FC and the England national team.