As the 2025 NWSL season opens, let’s take a moment to acknowledge how players who have played overseas are coming or returning to the NWSL. Notable names, such as Jenna Nighswonger, Crystal Dunn, and Naomi Girma, have fled from the NWSL to gain a taste of overseas soccer. Despite this, a great number of American players remain in the NWSL. The NWSL has also witnessed an influx of diverse ethnicities joining the league. Here, we’ll detail the journeys of the myriad of players coming or returning to the NWSL after playing in Europe.
Ali Riley
Riley began her career with the WPS, was drafted by FC Gold Pride, and then transferred to Western NY Flash. With the WPS’s folding, Riley played overseas for clubs including FC Rosengård, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. It wasn’t until 2022 that Riley would play on American soil again. She rejoined the NWSL and has played for Angel City FC ever since.
Kylie Nadaner (née Strom)
Despite facing rejection in her early career with the Boston Breakers, Strom has demonstrated true resilience. After spending two years with Sparta Prague and Atletico Madrid, Strom found herself receiving a spot with the Orlando Pride. Strom played a pivotal role in Pride’s outstanding 2024 season and aims to keep Pride at the top in the new season.
Racheal Kundananji
Before signing with Bay FC in 2024, the 24-year-old Zambian player Kundananji played in Spain with Madrid CFF. The positive growth and recognition the NWSL has received has only made the league more of a desirable destination for players. Just like Kundananji, numerous players are joining the NWSL not only for greater respect but also for elevated competitiveness.
Esme Morgan
Current Washington Spirit defender Esme Morgan spent approximately nine years with Manchester City before moving to the NWSL. Only at 24 years of age, Morgan’s experience in Europe only strengthens the makeup of the NWSL. Again, the competition level that exudes from the NWSL only makes the league a place where players are eager to sharpen their skill sets.
Julie Dufour
Along with the competitive nature of the NWSL, it also exposes many players to many more spectators. Followers are aware of the growing viewership the league has experienced over the years, and the upward trend seems to continue each season. Dufour, after spending eight years in the French league with teams such as Lille and Paris FC, has relocated to Angel City FC.
Ana Tejada
Spanish star Ana Tejada began her professional club career with Spanish clubs Longrono and Real Sociedad. About a year ago, Tejada signed a three-year deal with the Utah Royals. She has made great impact with the squad and was even rewarded Goal of the Week with her goal against Racing Louisville FC in the 2024 season.
Maitane López
Lopez began her career in her homeland of Spain with Levante. Although drawing attention from the Manchester United club in 2023, Lopez ultimately signed with the NJ/NY Gotham. She is now a member of the Chicago Stars squad.
Ouleymata Sarr
Sarr has spent much of her time playing with French squads such as PSG, Lille, Bordeaux, and Paris FC before signing with the Washington Spirit. She will be with the Spirit for the next three years. In 2024, she recorded eight goals and two assists in 19 matches with the Spirit.
Anna Moorhouse
Englishwoman Anna Moorhouse began her career with Everton. She played under various English clubs after that, including Arsenal and West Ham. Now, Moorhouse plays for Orlando Pride and has been stellar for the team. Her ability to protect the net and secure clean sheets helped Orlando Pride win the NWSL Shield in 2024.
Christen Press
Last but most certainly not least, a fan-favorite USWNT veteran and Los Angeles native, Christen Press, also had a taste of European football before returning to the NWSL. Press played for Manchester United for a year and scored four goals in 14 appearances. Despite injuries and setbacks, Press continues to show grit and heart for the city of Los Angeles and the game she loves.
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