It’s uncommon to catch Melvine Malard without a grin, yet she’s got plenty of reasons. A June wedding, a lucrative Chelsea switch, a Ballon d’Or nod and her first London derby versus Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The French forward relishes life, and her contagious smile instantly bonds her with teammates. For my money, she could become Chelsea’s next icon.
“Goals,” Malard laughs when asked what fuels her joy. “Honestly, it’s spotting the kids, the families, my own family in the crowd. It’s wild. I adore my life, love my job, I’m thrilled with my wife and everything feels right. I smile because of that happiness.”