List of foreign NWSL players

Last updated

This is a list of foreign players in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The following players:

Contents

  1. Have played at least one NWSL regular season game. Players who were signed by NWSL clubs but did not play in any competitive games, or played only in playoff, cup, friendly, or 2020 NWSL Fall Series matches are not included.
  2. Are not eligible to play for the United States women's national soccer team.
More specifically,
  • If a player has been capped on international level, the national team is used. If they have been capped by more than one country, the highest level (or the most recent) team is used. These include American players with dual citizenship.
  • If a player has not been capped on international level, their country of birth is used, except for those who were born abroad to American parents or moved to the United States at a young age, and who also clearly indicated to have switched their nationality to another nation.

As of September 2025, players in the NWSL have represented 55 foreign national teams.

Players listed in bold are currently signed to an NWSL roster.

Africa (CAF)

Algeria Flag of Algeria.svg

Angola Flag of Angola.svg

Cameroon Flag of Cameroon.svg

Equatorial Guinea Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg

Ghana Flag of Ghana.svg

Ivory Coast Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg

Kenya Flag of Kenya.svg

Malawi Flag of Malawi.svg

Nigeria Flag of Nigeria.svg

NC_Courage_vs_Houston_Dash_(Mar_2024)_014 NC Courage vs Houston Dash (Mar 2024) 014.jpg
NC_Courage_vs_Houston_Dash_(Mar_2024)_014

South Africa Flag of South Africa.svg

Zambia Flag of Zambia.svg

Asia (AFC)

Australia Flag of Australia (converted).svg

Sam Kerr Sam kerr.jpg
Sam Kerr

China Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg

Japan Flag of Japan.svg

Mina Tanaka Mina Tanaka Gotham Utah 8.23.25-043.jpg
Mina Tanaka

South Korea Flag of South Korea.svg

Europe (UEFA)

Austria Flag of Austria.svg

Belgium Flag of Belgium (civil).svg

Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg

Denmark Flag of Denmark.svg

England Flag of England.svg

Jess Carter Jess Carter SD Gotham5.16-160 (cropped).jpg
Jess Carter

Finland Flag of Finland.svg

France Flag of France.svg

Germany Flag of Germany.svg

Iceland Flag of Iceland.svg

Israel Flag of Israel.svg

Italy Flag of Italy.svg

Sofia Cantore Sofia Cantore.png
Sofia Cantore

Malta Flag of Malta.svg

Netherlands Flag of the Netherlands.svg

Northern Ireland Ulster Banner.svg

Norway Flag of Norway.svg

Poland Flag of Poland.svg

Portugal Flag of Portugal (official).svg

Republic of Ireland Flag of Ireland.svg

Denise O'Sullivan 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup final, 054 (cropped).jpg
Denise O'Sullivan

Scotland Flag of Scotland.svg

Slovenia Flag of Slovenia.svg

Spain Flag of Spain.svg

Sweden Flag of Sweden.svg

Mimmi Larsson Mimmi Larsson.jpg
Mimmi Larsson

Switzerland Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg

Wales Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg

20150922_1826_W_AUT_WAL_3960 20150922 1826 W AUT WAL 3960.jpg
20150922_1826_W_AUT_WAL_3960

North and Central America, Caribbean (CONCACAF)

Bermuda Flag of Bermuda.svg

Canada Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg

Kailen Sheridan, San Diego Wave Kailen Sheridan SD Gotham5.16-120.jpg
Kailen Sheridan, San Diego Wave
Julia Grosso NC Courage vs Chicago Stars (May 2025) 034.jpg
Julia Grosso

Costa Rica Flag of Costa Rica.svg

Rocky Rodriguez NC Courage vs KC Current (Apr 2025) 017.jpg
Rocky Rodriguez

Dominican Republic Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg

El Salvador Flag of El Salvador.svg

Guatemala Flag of Guatemala.svg

Haiti Flag of Haiti.svg

Jamaica Flag of Jamaica.svg

Kiki Van Zanten Kiki Van Zanten 2025 Jamaica 02.jpg
Kiki Van Zanten

Mexico Flag of Mexico.svg

Reyna Reyes NC Courage vs Portland Thorns (Apr 2024) 073.jpg
Reyna Reyes

Puerto Rico Flag of Puerto Rico.svg

Trinidad and Tobago Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg

Oceania (OFC)

New Zealand Flag of New Zealand.svg

Ali Riley Ali Riley 47986521796 James Boyes.jpg
Ali Riley

Samoa Flag of Samoa.svg

South America (CONMEBOL)

Argentina Flag of Argentina.svg

Brazil Flag of Brazil.svg

Angelina NC Courage vs Orlando Pride (Jun 2024) 017.jpg
Angelina
Ary Borges Brasil 2x1 Canada (52505160985).jpg
Ary Borges

Colombia Flag of Colombia.svg

Leicy Santos Leicy Santos.jpg
Leicy Santos

Venezuela Flag of Venezuela.svg

See also

Notes

An asterisk (*) indicates the player's NWSL salary is/was paid for by her nation's federation. [85] [86] [87]

Bold indicates current player and their team.

  1. ^
    Born in Afghanistan
  2. ^
    Born in Brazil
  3. ^
    Born in Canada
  4. ^
    Born in England
  5. ^
    Born in France
  6. ^
    Born in Hong Kong
  7. ^
    Born in Hungary
  8. ^
    Born in Jamaica
  9. ^
    Born in Trinidad and Tobago
  10. ^
    Born in the United Arab Emirates
  11. ^
    Born in the United States
  12. ^
    Capped for the Canada women's national soccer team
  13. ^
    Capped for the Canada women's national under-20 soccer team
  14. ^
    Capped for the France girls' national under-16 soccer team
  15. ^
    Capped for the France women's national under-17 soccer team
  16. ^
    Capped for the France women's national under-19 soccer team
  17. ^
    Capped for the Honduras women's national under-20 soccer team
  18. ^
    Capped for the United States women's national under-17 soccer team
  19. ^
    Capped for the United States women's national under-19 soccer team
  20. ^
    Capped for the United States women's national under-20 soccer team
  21. ^
    Capped for the United States women's national under-23 soccer team

References

  1. ↑ "Portland Thorns FC Sign Forward Genoveva Añonma". Portland Thorns Communications. Archived from the original on November 25, 2015. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
  2. 1 2 Lewis, Michael (October 14, 2022). "FOUR GONE CONCLUSION: Gotham says Richardson, Baxter, Cudjoe and Yokoyama won't be back in 2023". Front Row Soccer. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  3. ↑ Yang, Steph (February 1, 2023). "NWSL's Racing Louisville receiving Uchenna Kanu in transfer from Liga MXF: Source". The Athletic . Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  4. 1 2 "Houston Dash sign defenders Ellie Brush and Camila". Houston Dash Communications. May 20, 2015.
  5. ↑ "Thorns FC sign defender Stephanie Catley". Portland Thorns FC communications. February 17, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Thorns FC acquire rights to Caitlin Foord, 2020 NWSL draft pick from Seattle Reign FC in exchange for Allie Long". Portland Thorns FC Communications. January 11, 2018. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Australian WNT goal scorer and NWSL champion Katrina Gorry Joins Utah Royals FC". Real Salt Lake Communications. February 14, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Flash Sign Australia Forward Michelle Heyman". Western New York Flash. July 8, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Portland Thorns sign Australian defender Clare Polkinghorne". OregonLive. June 29, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Boston Breakers Sign Australian Forward Kyah Simon". NWSL. June 30, 2015. Archived from the original on July 5, 2015.
  11. ↑ O'Regan, Erin (June 19, 2017). "Dazed and Confused: Thorns Fall to Sky Blue FC 3–1". Portland Mercury. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
  12. ↑ Goldberg, Jamie (October 14, 2017). "Portland Thorns win 2017 NWSL Championship with 1–0 victory over North Carolina Courage". The Oregonian. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
  13. ↑ "Racing Louisville rallies to 2–2 tie with Washington Spirit in home opener". WHAS-TV . April 1, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Japanese International Nanase Kiryu Joins Sky Blue FC". February 18, 2014. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014.
  15. ↑ "NWSL – Equalizer Soccer" . Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Unsung Heroes – An NWSL Series: Narumi Miura". All for XI (Press release). March 30, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Liverpool FC Women complete signing of Fuka Nagano" (Press release). Liverpool F.C. January 14, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Chicago Signs Japanese International Yuki Nagasato | Chicago Red Stars". chicagoredstars.com. Retrieved June 4, 2017.
  19. ↑ "Goalkeeper Hannah Stambaugh Signs One-year Extension". angelcity.com. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  20. ↑ "NJ/NY Gotham FC Roster Update" (Press release). NJ/NY Gotham FC. December 8, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Houston Dash sign Austrian international Nina Burger". Houston Dash communications. April 30, 2014.
  22. ↑ "KC Current signs Danish World Cup defender Stine Ballisager Pedersen". KSHB . July 3, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Gejl's strike lifts Courage over Kansas City in season opener". WRAL Sports Fan . March 25, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Two-Hour Rain Delay Dampens Courage In Loss At Gotham Saturday". OurSportsCentral (Press release). North Carolina Courage. April 22, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Sky Blue FC Signs Nadia Nadim for 2015 Season". Sky Blue FC. February 16, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Spirit sign Danish defender Cecilie Sandvej". Washington Spirit. February 27, 2014.
  27. ↑ "Reign FC Sign Danish Forward Katrine Veje". NWSL. January 21, 2015. Archived from the original on August 6, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  28. ↑ "Spirit Forward Tinaya Alexander Transferring to France's Montpellier HSC" (Press release). Washington Spirit. September 19, 2022. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  29. ↑ "#17 Nicole Douglas". National Women's Soccer League . Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Washington Spirit downs the NC Courage 2–1". WRAL Sports Fan . April 15, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  31. ↑ Laverty, Richard (March 18, 2022). "Opportunity Knocks for Anna Moorhouse". Our Game Magazine. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  32. ↑ Spirit, Washington (June 13, 2024). "Washington Spirit Signs Standout English Defender Esme Morgan". Washington Spirit. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
  33. ↑ Pinnock, Hannah (January 19, 2023). "Liverpool Women confirm signing of Angel City midfielder Miri Taylor". Liverpool Echo .
  34. ↑ Rodriguez, Alicia (March 15, 2023). "San Diego Wave FC's Carly Telford announces retirement as player". LAG Confidential. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  35. ↑ "Amy Turner completes move" (Press release). Tottenham Hotspur F.C. July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  36. ↑ "Angel City Signs England WNT Midfielder Katie Zelem". angelcity.com. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Finnish defender Pikkujämsä inks with Racing" (Press release). Racing Louisville FC. December 9, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Washington Spirit Signs French Defender Annaïg Butel" (Press release). Washington Spirit. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  39. ↑ Baxter, Kevin (June 1, 2023). "Angel City signs French star Amandine Henry, bolstering the club's roster". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  40. ↑ "RECAP: Courage 1–2 Spirit" (Press release). North Carolina Courage. April 15, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  41. ↑ "Spirit Acquire Midfielder Kerstin Garefrekes". NWSL. June 14, 2014.
  42. ↑ Aguilera, Lucas (March 26, 2022). "EVT Interview: Marleen Schimmer shines in SD Wave debut". East Village Times. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  43. ↑ "San Diego Wave FC Announces Initial Roster Decisions Ahead of 2023 NWSL Season" (Press release). San Diego Wave FC. November 15, 2022. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Chicago Red Stars acquire Sandra Starke on loan from VfL Woflsburg" (Press release). Chicago Red Stars. April 16, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  45. ↑ Carlisle, Jeff (March 29, 2023). "VAR was supposed to fix the NWSL's referee problems, but its debut only added more controversy". ESPN . Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  46. 1 2 Adams, Christopher (January 24, 2023). "Erin McLeod and Gunny Jónsdóttir to leave Orlando Pride". OTown's 11. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  47. ↑ Lia, Gianluca (September 22, 2022). "Watch: Haley Bugeja becomes Orlando Pride's youngest player after NWSL debut". SportsDesk. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  48. ↑ "Nikki Krzysik's wandering path back to pro soccer—Philly, San Diego, Poland and Kansas City". Equalizer Soccer. December 26, 2013. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  49. ↑ "Spirit Sign Veteran Spanish Forward Del Rio". Equalizer Soccer. March 12, 2015.
  50. ↑ "Flash Sign Vicky Losada". WNYFlash. February 27, 2014.
  51. ↑ Tonelli, Jenna (July 6, 2023). "Maitane López inks two-year deal with Gotham FC". The Equalizer. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  52. ↑ Sperry, Daniel (April 15, 2023). "Debinha nets first goal for KC Current in loss to Chicago Red Stars: recap". The Kansas City Star . Yahoo! News . Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  53. ↑ "LIVE Transfer Talk: AC Milan eye €120m for Rafael Leao's transfer amid Real Madrid, Chelsea interest". ESPN. September 7, 2022. Swedish midfielder Freja Olofsson has completed a transfer from stateside Racing Louisville for Spanish club Real Madrid, the clubs have announced.
  54. ↑ "Julia Roddar klar för Bajen" [Julia Roddar ready for Bajen] (Press release) (in Swedish). Hammarby Fotboll. January 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  55. ↑ "Lindsay Agnew Announces Retirement From Professional Soccer" (Press release). North Carolina Courage. March 11, 2022. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  56. ↑ "Orlando Pride adds young Canadian forward Amanda Allen on three-year deal" (Press release). Orlando City SC. April 3, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  57. 1 2 Steiner, Ben (April 2, 2023). "Canadians thriving in NWSL, Europe ahead of April friendly against France". CBC Sports . Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  58. ↑ "Houston Dash acquire DF Allysha Chapman, draft picks from North Carolina Courage". Houston Dash. May 9, 2018.
  59. ↑ "Adriana Leon says 'surreal' move to Portland Thorns was too good to turn down". Canadian Soccer Daily. April 20, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  60. ↑ "Courage acquire midfielder Victoria Pickett from Gotham FC" (Press release). North Carolina Courage. April 27, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  61. ↑ "Canadian international Melissa Tancredi off to Chicago of the NWSL". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
  62. ↑ "FC Kansas City adds Canadian Tiffany Cameron". SB Nation. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  63. ↑ Wheeler, Daniel (January 14, 2023). "Reggae Girl Solaun joins Houston Dash". The Gleaner . Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  64. ↑ "Angel City FC lend D Allyson Swaby to PSG". The Sporting Tribune. February 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  65. ↑ Calhoun, Damian (April 1, 2023). "Angel City FC heads to Orlando ready to bounce back". Los Angeles Daily News . Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  66. ↑ "Recap: Angel City 1, NJ/NY Gotham FC 2" (Press release). Angel City FC. March 26, 2023.
  67. ↑ "Houston Dash acquire forward Diana Ordóñez from North Carolina" (Press release). Houston Dynamo FC. January 12, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  68. ↑ Clarke, Ryan (April 1, 2023). "Portland Thorns, led by first career hat trick from Sophia Smith, secure 4–1 road win over Kansas City Current". The Oregonian . Retrieved April 2, 2023.
  69. ↑ "Karina Rodríguez refuerza la defensa de América Femenil" [Karina Rodríguez reinforces the defense of América Femenil]. OneFootball. January 4, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  70. ↑ Heintzelman, Martin (April 30, 2023). "Duke in the NWSL: Former Blue Devils continue to make an impact as NWSL season ramps up". Duke Chronicle . Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  71. ↑ "Erceg: Racing comeback 'huge' for team confidence" (Press release). Racing Louisville FC. April 1, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  72. ↑ "OL Reign Waive Shirley Cruz and Rosie White" (Press release). OL Reign. December 8, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  73. ↑ "Orlando Pride signs Argentina international Mariana Larroquette" (Press release). Orlando City SC. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  74. ↑ "Pride rally on road for season's 1st victory". Orlando Sentinel . Associated Press. April 30, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  75. ↑ "Houston Dash Sign Brazilian Women's National Team Midfielder Andressa Alves" (Press release). Houston Dynamo FC. June 28, 2023. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  76. ↑ "Houston Dash sign Brazilian midfielder Andressa". Houston Dash Communications. July 27, 2015.
  77. ↑ "Match Preview: Kansas City Current hit the road to face Chicago Red Stars" (Press release). Kansas City Current. April 14, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  78. ↑ Griffin, Tamerra (April 6, 2023). "Brazilians are increasingly taking their talents to the NWSL, eager to learn and prepare for the World Cup". The Equalizer. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  79. ↑ "#3 | Bruninha". NJ/NY Gotham FC . Retrieved May 3, 2023. She made her NWSL debut for 25 minutes during the final match of the season (October 1) against Portland Thorns.
  80. ↑ Lewis, Michael (April 30, 2023). "CAN'T FLOW WITH THE CURRENT: Kansas City snaps Gotham FC's 3-game winning streak". Front Row Soccer. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  81. ↑ "Angel City Announces Roster Moves". Angel City FC. November 14, 2022. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
  82. ↑ "The Courage to Win: Spirit defeat North Carolina 2–1". The District Press. April 16, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  83. ↑ "Lady Andrade to play for WNY Flash". Equalizer Soccer. July 18, 2015. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  84. ↑ Spirit, Washington (April 2, 2024). "Washington Spirit Lands Colombian National Team Star, World Cup Standout Leicy Santos". Washington Spirit. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  85. ↑ "NWSL Announces List of 55 Allocated Players" (Press release). United States Soccer Federation. January 9, 2013. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
  86. ↑ "NWSL Announces Allocation of 55 National Team Players to Eight Clubs" (Press release). United States Soccer Federation. January 11, 2013. Archived from the original on March 4, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
  87. ↑ "NWSL ANNOUNCES 2014 ALLOCATED PLAYERS". NWSL. January 3, 2014. Archived from the original on January 8, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
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