A chance encounter at France’s Clairefontaine academy in 2014 brought together a 14-year-old Melvine Malard and Sonia Bompastor, setting the stage for a footballing partnership that has now flourished at Chelsea. Twelve years later, the forward has quickly established herself as a key player under her former mentor after transferring from Manchester United in July.
Overcoming early struggles and building a bond
Bompastor convinced Malard’s mother to let the teenager move nearly 6,000 miles from her home on Reunion Island to mainland France, promising personal and managerial trust. The transition proved difficult for the young player, who struggled with the freezing winters in Lyon compared to her tropical home. Bompastor told BBC Sport that Malard once called her in tears, wanting to return home because the cold made it impossible to play football.
Malard stayed, noting that an opportunity with a club like Lyon comes only once in a lifetime. Bompastor also monitored the youngster’s education, stepping in whenever her school performance dropped. The relationship continued as Malard broke into Lyon’s first team at age 17 and started the 2022 Champions League final against Barcelona under Bompastor, resulting in a 3-1 victory.
Thriving under Bompastor at Chelsea
Reunited at Stamford Bridge, Malard has taken on the responsibility of leading the line following Sam Kerr’s departure, matching her six-goal tally from the previous Women’s Super League season in just six appearances. Her statistics have surged at her new club, with her expected goals per 90 minutes more than doubling and her shot conversion rate increasing significantly. Bompastor noted to BBC Sport that Malard has developed her technical skills, tactical understanding, and versatility to play as either a number nine or a winger.
With Chelsea facing a crucial title race clash against Manchester City, Bompastor continues to push her former academy prospect toward even greater ambitions. The Chelsea manager stated that her ultimate challenge for Malard is to play for France as the starting number nine and win the World Cup.
