The NWSL is filled with talent, including players coming from the USWNT. Along with U.S.-grown talent, international players are becoming an integral part of the league. Teams are bringing more and more international players as they face the waves of NWSL players heading to England and other leagues. As the new season begins, here are 14 top international players to watch in the NWSL.
Racheal Kundananji
Bay FC’s Zambian forward is one of the NWSL international players to watch. This would be her second season in the NWSL, and Kundananji already has a lot of goals set. Before joining Bay FC, Kundananji played in Zambia, Kazakhstan and Liga F. During last season, Kundananji managed to score five goals in 20 matches.
She told Yahoo Sports about how she heard positive things about the league before joining. “That was one kind of thing which motivated me because they spoke highly about it [the NWSL],” Kundananji said. Now, she is looking forward to improving her game and fixing any mistakes she used to make. Joining Bay FC in their inaugural season, Kundananji had the chance to write history with the team.
Chiamaka Okwuchukwu
One of the international players who are joining the NWSL this season is Nigerian Chiamaka Okwuchukwu. The 19-year-old forward joined San Diego Wave on a one-year contract from Nigeria’s Rivers Angels FC. Okwuchukwu has international experience as well since she played in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
The forward also played in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. She managed to score two goals and got one assist. She was nominated for the CAF Young Women’s Player of the Year in 2024. Okwuchukwu is an excellent addition for the Wave, who are hoping to have a better season than last year.
Esme Morgan
Washington Spirit’s Esme Morgan is one of the examples of English players coming to the NWSL despite the wave of USWNT players heading to England. Last season, she joined the team coming from Manchester City. She told Yahoo Sports that this move happened because she wanted to “bet on myself.” Now, Morgan will have the opportunity to prove herself as she competes for a spot in a league as competitive as the NWSL.
Daiane Limeira
Brazilian defender Daiane Limeira is one of the international players to watch in the NWSL. She has joined the Portland Thorns on a contract lasting until 2026. Daiane has played for several clubs throughout her career. She played in Brazil, Norway, France, and Spain. The fact that she can play for several clubs in different leagues and still perform well shows that she can adapt to different situations.
Julie Dufour
Another international player who recently joined the NWSL is France and Angel City FC’s Julie Dufour. The 23-year-old forward has spent about eight years in the French Première Ligue, so it was time for a change. “I needed a new challenge,” she told Yahoo Sports. Dufour has a chance to be one of the best forwards in the league, especially with her high ambitions.
Stella Nyamekye
Last year, Gotham FC signed Ghanaian midfielder Stella Nyamekye, who is 19 years old. Nyamekye has represented the national team at various levels, including during the African U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. During her international career, Nyamekye was appointed captain once. This shows that Gotham FC has a player who is not only talented but also has leadership skills.
Aisha Solórzano
Utah Royals have managed to secure the services of 26-year-old Guatemalan player Aisha Solórzano. Solórzano has a chance to be one of the best international players to join the NWSL. During her collegiate career, Solórzano shined brightly as she used to play for the Southeastern Fire. In 78 games, she scored 40 goals.
Solórzano also played in the Liga MX Femenil, where she proved herself as a lethal forward. She scored 14 goals in 29 appearances for Puebla. Solórzano also scored 16 goals in 16 matches for Club Tijuana. The forward’s scoring skills would prove essential to the Utah Royals, who are looking to build on their inaugural season.
Gabi Portilho
Another international player Gotham FC brought to the NWSL is Brazilian veteran attacker Gabi Portilho. Portilho played in Brazil and Spain, but she shined brightly once she joined Corinthians. During her time with the club, the team won around 11 titles. She was also named to The Best FIFA Women’s 11 in 2024.
“Gabi is an experienced, world-class player who has competed at the highest levels,” said Gotham FC General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West, according to Gotham FC’s official website.
Ana María Guzmán
Utah Royals managed to sign 19-year-old Ana María Guzmán on loan from Bayern Munich. The defender’s talent is evident to everyone, and it was clear to Utah Royals as well. The Colombian international managed to play for the national team on different levels. If Utah Royals somehow managed to make the loan permanent, they would have an amazing defender who will surely grow and develop.
Lorena
Kansas City Current signed Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena for three years with an option for a fourth. On the national level, Lorena has been crucial to Brazil as she led her team to win a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Kansas City will need players like Lorena to have a good season like last year. She can make a difference in big matches.
Oihane Hernández
Orlando Pride is looking to repeat their amazing season from last year. This can be possible by bringing in experienced international players, of course with players like Barbra Banda, but also like Spain international defender Oihane Hernández. The defender joins Orlando on a two-year contract, coming from Real Madrid. Hernández played an important role in Spain’s 2023 WWC win. With players like her who can contribute in both attacking and defending, the team has a chance to defend their NWSL Championship and Shield titles.
Alanna Kennedy
Coming from Manchester City, Angel City FC managed to sign Australian defender Alanna Kennedy. Kennedy joins the team on a one-year contract with an option for 2026. She has a lot of experience that will help Angel City find success this season. Her distribution and set-piece skills make Kennedy a versatile player. Kennedy’s experience on both club and national team levels can be essential to her new team.
Rebeca Bernal
Another international player who joined the NWSL through the Spirit is Mexican international Rebeca Bernal. The veteran defender joins from C.F. Monterrey on a three-year deal.
In Liga MX Femenil, Bernal played over 250 matches for her previous club. During her time there, she scored 65 goals. A player who can contribute to both defense and attack is someone Washington Spirit would want to have.
Temwa Chawinga
While Kansas City Current’s Temwa Chawinga isn’t a new international player to the NWSL, she is one who you will always want to watch. The Malawian player had an incredible season last year, and she will be looking to repeat it. She was last year’s MVP and Golden Boot winner with 20 goals. Chawinga is likely to repeat her success if she does not reach new heights.
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