In recent years, more players from the USWNT have chosen to play overseas. While the NWSL remains one of the strongest domestic leagues in women’s soccer, European clubs increasingly attract American players. These players are usually looking to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, experience different systems, and play in highly competitive environments.
Currently, several USWNT players are thriving abroad in leagues across England, France, and other parts of Europe. Among them are Alyssa Thompson, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Korbin Shrader, Lily Yohannes, Catarina Macario, and Lindsey Heaps. Their performances overseas highlight the growing international presence of American players.
Alyssa Thompson
Alyssa Thompson has quickly become one of the most exciting USWNT players abroad. Since joining Chelsea, she has contributed to both league play and cup competitions. In them, she showcased her speed, creativity, and improved finishing ability.
One of her biggest achievements this season came when she helped Chelsea win the 2026 League Cup. This marked one of the first major trophies of her European career. Thompson has also delivered in front of the goal as she scored in multiple matches across competitions. This included another recent strike in league play that highlighted her growing confidence.
Her impact is not limited to club football. Thompson scored the winning goal in the 2026 SheBelieves Cup final. She helped secure the title for the USWNT. She also confirmed her rise as a key attacking option for both club and country.
At just the beginning of her career, Thompson is already combining silverware, international impact, and consistent club performance. All of this makes her one of the most important young players in the USWNT.
Emily Fox
Emily Fox continues to be one of the most consistent USWNT players abroad, playing a key role for Arsenal. She has logged heavy minutes this season and has been trusted in both league and cup competitions. Fox recently helped Arsenal secure a 2-0 win in league play against London City Lionesses. This continued her run as a dependable presence in the starting lineup.
Her ability to play full matches consistently has been a major asset. She has featured in nearly every league game, reinforcing her reputation as one of the most reliable fullbacks in the squad.
However, Fox has also faced a minor setback. She recently exited a match due to injury which raised some concerns about her fitness moving forward. Even with this recent issue, Fox’s season has been defined by durability, consistency, and strong defensive performances. These are qualities that continue to make her a key figure for the USWNT.
Naomi Girma
Naomi Girma’s move to Chelsea was one of the biggest transfers in women’s soccer, and when fit, she has shown exactly why. She has contributed in decisive moments, including scoring a late winning goal in FA Cup action. This underlies her ability to influence matches beyond defending.
However, Girma’s season has also been affected by injuries. She recently missed the League Cup final due to a calf injury. This forced Chelsea to adapt defensively in a crucial match. Earlier in her Chelsea tenure, she also dealt with injury setbacks that limited her playing time. Back then, this delayed her full integration into the squad.
Despite these challenges, Girma remains one of the most important defenders in the world. When available, her composure, positioning, and ability to play out from the back make her indispensable for both Chelsea and the USWNT.
Korbin Shrader
Midfielder Korbin Shrader, formerly known as Korbin Albert, is another USWNT player competing abroad. She adopted her married surname after marrying NFL kicker Spencer Shrader in 2025.
Shrader has built much of her professional career in France as she is playing in the Première Ligue. The league is considered one of Europe’s strongest domestic competitions. Competing in France allows her to face technically skilled opponents and participate in high-level club tournaments.
For the USWNT, Shrader represents a younger generation of midfielders capable of contributing creativity and energy. Her ability to play in multiple midfield roles makes her a versatile option for coaches evaluating the national team’s future midfield structure.
Lily Yohannes
Midfielder Lily Yohannes has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in the USWNT player pool. After beginning her professional career with Ajax in the Netherlands, Yohannes gained international attention for her technical ability and maturity on the ball at a very young age. Her move to Lyon has accelerated her development significantly.
She was part of the Lyon squad that won the French Cup in 2026. This helped her gain valuable experience in high-pressure finals early in her career. Yohannes has also contributed to domestic competition as she featured in matches where Lyon secured convincing wins. This includes cup victories that highlight the team’s dominance.
Playing alongside experienced players like Lindsey Heaps has helped Yohannes refine her decision-making and composure. Her development in Europe positions her as a key piece of the USWNT’s future midfield.
Catarina Macario
Another USWNT player competing in England is Catarina Macario, who plays for Chelsea in the WSL. Macario previously played for Olympique Lyonnais in France before moving to England. Known for her technical ability, creativity, and finishing skills, she can operate as both a striker and an attacking midfielder.
Macario remains one of the most technically gifted players in the USWNT pool, but injuries have continued to disrupt her momentum. Her situation remains one of the most important storylines for the USWNT. If she can regain full fitness, she has the potential to be one of the team’s most influential attacking players heading into the next World Cup cycle.
Macario’s time abroad might not last any longer, however. According to Sportico, she is heading to the NWSL’s San Diego Wave for a record contract. There is no doubt that she would prove herself in the league as well.
Lindsey Heaps
USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps, formerly Lindsey Horan, continues to play a key role for Olympique Lyonnais in France. Heaps has long been one of the most influential midfielders in the international game. In 2026, Heaps added another trophy to her career by helping Lyon win the French Cup (Coupe de la Ligue). This comes after defeating Paris Saint-Germain in a tightly contested final.
Her influence goes beyond trophies. Heaps continues to control matches from midfield as she contributes both defensively and offensively. She also played an important role internationally as she registered a goal and an assist during the SheBelieves Cup. This demonstrates her continued importance to the national team setup. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, Heaps provides stability and leadership. Particularly as the USWNT transitions to a younger generation.
The Grown Trend of Americans Playing Abroad
The presence of USWNT players in Europe reflects the continued growth and globalization of women’s soccer. Over the past decade, European clubs have significantly increased investment in the women’s game, improving facilities, salaries, and competitive opportunities.
For American players, competing abroad offers exposure to different playing styles. European teams often emphasize tactical discipline and possession-based soccer. This can complement the attacking style traditionally associated with the USWNT. As more Americans play overseas, the national team benefits from a more diverse player pool with experience across multiple leagues.
The Future of the USWNT
There are several USWNT players thriving abroad and gaining valuable experience in some of the world’s most competitive leagues. Emily Fox and Catarina Macario are competing in England’s WSL, Naomi Girma anchors Chelsea’s defense, while Korbin Shrader and Lindsey Heaps continue their careers in Europe’s top competitions. Meanwhile, rising star Lily Yohannes represents the next generation of American talent developing overseas.
These players demonstrate how the USWNT is evolving alongside the global growth of women’s soccer. By competing in different leagues and environments, they bring new skills, perspectives, and experiences back to the national team. This helps ensure that the United States remains competitive on the international stage.
Featured image via @alyssthomp
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