Eva Carneiro

Eva Carneiro on the field

Eva Carneiro is a Gibraltarian-born British sports medicine physician who is best known for her time as the first-team doctor of Chelsea F.C., a prominent English Premier League football club. Carneiro's career and contributions to sports medicine, particularly in football, have made her a notable figure in the realm of sports healthcare.

Early Life and Education

Eva Carneiro was born in Gibraltar to a Spanish father and an English mother. She moved to the United Kingdom for her higher education, where she attended the University of Nottingham, earning a degree in Medicine. Following her graduation, Carneiro pursued further qualifications in sports and exercise medicine, a field that combines her passion for medicine and sports, particularly football.

Career

Carneiro's career in sports medicine began with various roles in public health and surgery, but her interest in sports, especially football, led her to specialize in sports medicine. She worked with several British sports teams, gaining experience and recognition in the field. Her expertise and dedication to sports healthcare eventually led her to Chelsea F.C., where she became the head of the medical department for the reserve team before being promoted to the first team.

During her tenure at Chelsea, Carneiro was one of the most visible medical professionals in football, often seen on the sidelines attending to injured players. Her role at Chelsea highlighted the importance of medical professionals in sports, especially in high-stakes environments like the Premier League.

Controversy and Departure from Chelsea

In August 2015, Carneiro was involved in a highly publicized controversy following a match between Chelsea and Swansea City. Carneiro and the team physiotherapist ran onto the pitch to attend to an injured player, which led to criticism from then-Chelsea manager José Mourinho. Mourinho's criticism, based on his belief that their actions had momentarily left the team at a numerical disadvantage, led to a dispute that eventually saw Carneiro leaving her position at Chelsea.

Following her departure, Carneiro pursued legal action against Chelsea and Mourinho for constructive dismissal and discrimination. The case was settled in 2016, with Carneiro receiving an undisclosed settlement.

After Chelsea

After leaving Chelsea, Carneiro has continued her career in sports medicine, focusing on research, education, and advocacy for the health and well-being of athletes. She has also been a vocal advocate for the role of women in sports medicine and the challenges they face in the field.

Legacy

Eva Carneiro's career, especially her time at Chelsea F.C., has had a significant impact on the visibility of medical professionals in sports. Her experiences have sparked discussions on the treatment of medical staff by football clubs and the importance of prioritizing player health over competitive advantage. Carneiro has also been an inspiration for women in sports medicine, demonstrating resilience and dedication in a male-dominated field.