When the Lionesses rolled through London on an open-top bus to celebrate their Euro 2025 victory, one familiar face was notably absent. Centre-back Jess Carter had already returned to NJ/NY Gotham FC for pre-season training – a decision she later explained on Instagram and that was confirmed by ESPN (sports news).
Age: 27 (born 27 October 1997) ·
Position: Centre-back ·
Current Club: NJ/NY Gotham FC (NWSL) ·
National Team: England (Lionesses) ·
International Caps: 31 ·
Notable Honour: UEFA Euro 2022 Champion, MBE
Quick snapshot
- Missed the Euro 2025 victory parade because she returned to Gotham FC for pre-season (ESPN)
- Called Gotham “a family” in an Instagram post explaining her choice (OneFootball quoting Instagram)
- Gotham FC publicly supported Carter after she faced racist abuse online (Gotham FC official statement)
- Exact salary amount – not publicly disclosed by the NWSL or the player
- Specific date when her relationship with Ann‑Katrin Berger began
- Any future transfer or contract plans beyond the current season
- Carter available for Gotham’s upcoming NWSL match against Chicago Stars (ESPN)
- England’s Nations League qualification campaign continues without several regulars (ESPN)
- Long‑term: balancing club duties in the US with international call‑ups (ESPN)
Here is a summary of Jess Carter’s key details.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jessica Leigh Carter |
| Date of Birth | 27 October 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Warwick, England |
| Height | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Centre‑back |
| Current Club | NJ/NY Gotham FC (since 2024) |
| Former Club | Chelsea FC (2018–2024) |
| National Team | England – 31 caps (as of 2024) |
| Honours | UEFA Euro 2022, Finalissima 2023, Women’s Super League (multiple) |
| Individual | MBE (2023) |
Is Jess Carter in a relationship?
Public records, including the Wikipedia entry for German goalkeeper Ann‑Katrin Berger, list her spouse as Jess Carter. Both players currently compete in the NWSL – Carter at Gotham FC, Berger at Kansas City Current – but neither has spoken publicly about the exact timeline of their relationship.
Who is Jess Carter’s partner?
- Berger is a 34‑year‑old goalkeeper who has played for Chelsea, Birmingham City, and currently the Kansas City Current.
- Her Wikipedia page names Carter as her spouse, though no formal wedding date or ceremony has been reported in major media.
- The couple both previously played in the FA WSL before moving to the United States.
Are Jess Carter and Ann‑Katrin Berger married?
According to Berger’s public profile, the answer appears to be yes. However, because no official statement from either player or their clubs has been issued, some question marks remain. The pattern: both players have kept their private lives largely out of the spotlight, and neither has used social media to confirm the marriage directly. What this means: fans should treat the relationship as likely but not 100 % verified.
How much does Jess Carter earn?
Jess Carter’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed. The NWSL does not routinely publish individual player contracts, and neither Chelsea (her former club) nor Gotham FC have released figures. According to ESPN (sports news), the NWSL salary cap and typical compensation range are known, but individual earnings for Carter remain a matter of speculation.
What is Jess Carter’s salary at Gotham FC?
- No reliable source provides a concrete figure.
- NWSL base salaries in 2024 range from about $40,000 to $75,000 for non‑allocated players, but Carter’s experience and international status may place her higher.
- Until the league or the player elects to disclose, the number stays in the “unclear” column.
Is Jess Carter’s salary publicly disclosed?
No. Unlike some men’s leagues, the NWSL does not mandate contract transparency. The only hard data point: Carter’s previous club Chelsea operates in the FA WSL, which also keeps salary details private. The trade‑off: fans get less financial insight but more privacy for players.
Note: The NWSL does not disclose individual salaries, so any figure online is speculative.
Why was Jess Carter not at the parade?
The Lionesses’ open‑top bus parade on Tuesday celebrated their Euro 2025 title – England became the first senior England team to defend an international trophy, per ESPN (sports news). Carter was the only squad member absent because she had already flown to the United States to rejoin Gotham FC for pre‑season training.
What was the Lionesses’ bus parade for?
The parade marked England’s Euro 2025 victory, a penalty‑shootout win against Spain. The team travelled from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace. Carter also missed the reception at 10 Downing Street the previous day, as ESPN (sports news) reported.
Did NWSL duties prevent Jess Carter from attending?
Yes. Carter said on Instagram that returning to Gotham was a decision she made herself, calling the club “a family and a team” and stating she wanted to prepare for the upcoming game. OneFootball (fan media) and Goal (sports publisher) confirmed the reason: no time off between tournament end and NWSL pre‑season. The implication: professional obligations sometimes override celebration appearances, even for a historic win.
The bottom line: Jess Carter prioritized her NWSL club over the victory parade, a choice that her club and the player have explained.
Warning: Carter faced racist abuse online during the tournament, prompting a supportive statement from Gotham FC.
How long have Jess Carter and Ann‑Katrin Berger been together?
The exact start date of their relationship is not documented in any public source. What is known: both played for Chelsea at different times (Carter 2018–2024, Berger 2019–2022), and Berger’s Wikipedia page lists Carter as her spouse. The marriage is believed to have happened sometime before 2023, but no formal announcement or wedding report exists in mainstream media.
When did Jess Carter and Ann‑Katrin Berger start dating?
- Neither player has shared an anniversary date or early‑relationship story.
- They were teammates at Chelsea for one season (2019–2020) but may have been together before that.
- The lack of public detail means this remains a fan‑curiosity rather than a verified fact.
What is the status of their relationship?
Based on Berger’s profile, it is likely “married.” However, because the only direct source is a Wikipedia entry – which can be edited and is not a primary source – we classify this as medium confidence. The couple appears to maintain a private life, separate from their on‑pitch careers.
Which club does Jess Carter currently play for?
Carter plays as a centre‑back for NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She transferred from Chelsea in January 2024. Since moving to the US, she has become a key defensive figure for the New Jersey‑based side, starting most matches when fit.
What position does Jess Carter play?
- Primary position: centre‑back.
- Can also operate as a left‑back if required.
- Known for her pace, composure on the ball, and strong tackling – qualities that earned her the MBE in 2023.
Which clubs has Jess Carter played for?
She began her senior career at Chelsea (2016–2024, including a loan period), winning multiple Women’s Super League titles and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. In 2024 she moved to Gotham FC, citing a desire for a new challenge. Her England caps stand at 31, with more likely ahead as the Lionesses prepare for the next World Cup cycle.
Timeline: key moments in Jess Carter’s career
- – Jessica Leigh Carter born in Warwick, England.
- – Senior debut for Chelsea (loan period).
- – Permanent contract with Chelsea.
- – Wins UEFA Euro 2022 with England.
- – Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
- – Misses Lionesses’ bus parade due to NWSL pre‑season duties (ESPN).
- – Transfers to NJ/NY Gotham FC.
- – Euro 2025 victory parade; returns to Gotham FC instead of attending (ESPN).
- – Gotham FC issues statement supporting Carter after racist abuse (Gotham FC).
The timeline shows a rapid succession of major events in Carter’s career.
Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Jess Carter missed the Euro 2025 victory parade because she returned to Gotham FC for pre‑season (ESPN).
- She explained her decision on Instagram, calling Gotham “a family” (OneFootball quoting Instagram).
- Gotham FC issued a public statement supporting Carter after she received racist abuse (Gotham FC).
- She currently plays for NJ/NY Gotham FC and the England national team.
What remains unclear
- Exact salary – not disclosed by the NWSL or the player.
- Specific date when her relationship with Ann‑Katrin Berger began.
- Whether the couple have held a formal wedding ceremony.
- Future contract or transfer plans beyond the current season.
Carter’s career and personal life are well-documented in many areas, but key financial and relationship details remain private.
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In their own words
“Gotham became a family and a team to me, and I wanted to be there to prepare for the upcoming game.”
– Jess Carter (via Instagram, quoted by OneFootball (fan media))
“We are heartbroken and outraged by the racist abuse directed at Jess Carter. She is a world‑class football player and an important member of our club.”
– Gotham FC statement (Gotham FC official site)
These statements demonstrate Carter’s commitment to her club and the support she received during a difficult period.
For Carter, the balance between club and country will remain a tightrope. She has shown she prioritises her professional commitments at Gotham, even if that means missing historic celebrations. For the Lionesses, managing transatlantic travel and integrating players who skip domestic breaks will be a key factor in their next qualifying campaign.
For more on her personal life and professional journey, see Jess Carters partner and career.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jess Carter’s full name?
Jessica Leigh Carter.
How tall is Jess Carter?
1.74 m (5 ft 9 in).
What position does Jess Carter play?
Centre‑back, though she can also play left‑back.
How many goals has Jess Carter scored for England?
Her main role is defensive; she has yet to score a senior international goal (0 goals from 31 caps).
What honors has Jess Carter won?
UEFA Euro 2022, Finalissima 2023, multiple Women’s Super League titles with Chelsea, and she was appointed MBE in 2023.
Is Jess Carter on Instagram?
Yes, she has a public Instagram account (@jesscarter_) with several hundred thousand followers.
When did Jess Carter join the England senior team?
She made her senior debut in 2017 and has been a regular squad member since 2021.
These answers cover the most common questions about Jess Carter’s career and personal details.
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.