FIFA has named Jill Ellis as its new Chief Football Officer. In this role, Ellis will be part of FIFA’s leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing the global football strategy.

Ellis brings extensive experience to the position, having achieved significant success both as a coach and an executive. She is known for leading the U.S. Women’s National Team to back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. More recently, she served as President of the San Diego Wave FC, guiding the team to an impressive NWSL Shield victory in just their second season.

As Chief Football Officer, Ellis will collaborate with Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, to focus on advancing football worldwide. Her role will involve key responsibilities related to the growth and development of the game at a global level.

The creation of this position highlights FIFA's commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in football, ensuring that the sport remains open to everyone. It is also a step towards FIFA’s goal of making football a truly global game, offering opportunities to all players, regardless of gender.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said: “Jill’s experience, enthusiasm, and outstanding achievements make her the perfect choice for this role. She has been a true inspiration for many, and I look forward to seeing the impact of her work continue to inspire many more around the world.

FIFA is very proud to have Jill and Arsène, two of the great football leaders and thinkers, to help us make our vision for football a reality. Her appointment demonstrates FIFA’s commitment to the future of the game and to creating more opportunities for the next generation.”

“I am honoured to join FIFA in this pioneering role and to contribute to the growth of football from a global perspective,” Ellis said. “FIFA has a unique ability, through football, to unite communities and to drive the game’s development worldwide. Having experienced football, from grassroots programmes up to senior national-team level, I’ve seen first-hand its transformative power.”