List of foreign NWSL players explained
This is a list of foreign players in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The following players:
- 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.
- 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.
, players in the NWSL have represented 50 foreign national teams. Zambia was the most recent national team to be represented when Racheal Kundananji made her debut in March 2024 for Bay FC.
Players listed in bold are currently signed to an NWSL roster.
Africa (CAF)
Algeria
Cameroon
Equatorial Guinea
Ghana
Malawi
Nigeria
South Africa
Zambia
Asia (AFC)
Australia
- Teigen Allen – Western New York Flash (2014)
- Laura Alleway – Orlando Pride (2016–2017)
- Ellie Brush – Houston Dash (2015–2016)[4]
- Ellie Carpenter – Portland Thorns FC (2018–2019)
- Steph Catley – Portland Thorns FC (2014–2015),[5] Orlando Pride (2016–2017), Reign FC (2018–2019)
- Alex Chidiac – Racing Louisville FC (2022–2023)
- Larissa Crummer – Seattle Reign FC (2017)
- Chelsie Dawber – Chicago Red Stars (2022)
- Lisa De Vanna – Sky Blue FC (2013), Boston Breakers (2014), Washington Spirit (2014), Orlando Pride (2016)
- Caitlin Foord – Sky Blue FC (2013–2015), Portland Thorns FC (2018–2019)[6]
- Katrina Gorry – FC Kansas City (2014), Utah Royals (2018)[7]
- Amy Harrison – Washington Spirit (2019)
- Michelle Heyman – Western New York Flash (2015)[8]
- Elise Kellond-Knight – Reign FC (2019), Washington Spirit (2019)
- Alanna Kennedy – Western New York Flash (2016), Orlando Pride (2017–2020)
- Sam Kerr – Western New York Flash (2013–2014), Sky Blue FC (2015–2017), Chicago Red Stars (2018–2019)
- Chloe Logarzo – Washington Spirit (2019), Kansas City Current (2021–2023)
- Clare Polkinghorne – Portland Thorns FC (2015),[9] Houston Dash (2018–2019)
- Hayley Raso – Washington Spirit (2015), Portland Thorns FC (2016–2019)
- Kyah Simon – Boston Breakers (2013, 2015–2016),[10] Houston Dash (2018–2019)
- Ashleigh Sykes – Portland Thorns FC (2017)[11] [12]
- Kaitlyn Torpey – San Diego Wave FC (2024–)
- Emily van Egmond – Seattle Reign FC (2013), Chicago Red Stars (2014), Orlando Pride (2018–2021), San Diego Wave FC (2022–)
- Lydia Williams – Western New York Flash (2014), Houston Dash (2016–2017), Reign FC (2017–2019)
China
Japan
South Korea
Europe (UEFA)
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Denmark
England
Finland
France
Germany
Iceland
Israel
Malta
Netherlands
Northern Ireland
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Scotland
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Wales
North and Central America, Caribbean (CONCACAF)
Bermuda
Canada
- Lindsay Agnew
- – Washington Spirit (2017), Houston Dash (2018–2019), North Carolina Courage (2020–2022)[52]
- Amanda Allen – Orlando Pride (2023–)[53]
- Janine Beckie
- – Houston Dash (2016–2017), Sky Blue FC (2018), Portland Thorns FC (2022–)
- Josée Bélanger
- – Orlando Pride (2016)
- Melanie Booth
- – Sky Blue FC (2013)
- Zoe Burns – Utah Royals (2024–)
- Gabrielle Carle – Washington Spirit (2023–)[54]
- Allysha Chapman
- – Houston Dash (2015–2016), Boston Breakers (2017), North Carolina Courage (2018), Houston Dash (2018–)[55]
- Candace Chapman – Washington Spirit (2013)
- Sydney Collins – North Carolina Courage (2023–)[54]
- Sabrina D'Angelo
- – Western New York Flash (2015–2016), North Carolina Courage (2017–2018)
- Nkem Ezurike – Boston Breakers (2014–2015)
- Jonelle Filigno
- – Sky Blue FC (2014–2015)
- Jessie Fleming – Portland Thorns FC (2024–)
- Robyn Gayle
- – Washington Spirit (2013–2014)
- Vanessa Gilles – Angel City FC (2022–)
- Jordyn Huitema
- – OL Reign, (2022–)
- Mya Jones – San Diego Wave FC (2024–)
- Kaylyn Kyle
- – Seattle Reign FC (2013), Boston Breakers (2014), Houston Dash (2014), Portland Thorns FC (2015), Orlando Pride (2016)
- Stephanie Labbé
- –Washington Spirit (2016–2017), North Carolina Courage (2019–2020)
- Karina LeBlanc
- – Portland Thorns FC (2013), Chicago Red Stars (2014–2015)
- Adriana Leon* – Boston Breakers (2013, 2017), Chicago Red Stars (2013–2015), Western New York Flash (2016), Sky Blue FC (2018), Seattle Reign FC (2018), Portland Thorns FC (2023)[56]
- Jordyn Listro – Kansas City Current (2021), Orlando Pride (2022–2023)
- Diana Matheson
- – Washington Spirit (2013–2016), Seattle Reign FC (2017), Utah Royals (2018–2020)
- Bryanna McCarthy
- – Western New York Flash (2013)
- Erin McLeod
- – Chicago Red Stars (2013), Houston Dash (2014–2015), Orlando Pride (2020–2022)[43]
- Carmelina Moscato
- – Chicago Red Stars (2013), Boston Breakers (2013), Seattle Reign FC (2014–2015)
- Victoria Pickett – Kansas City Current (2021–2023), North Carolina Courage (2023–)[57]
- Nichelle Prince
- – Houston Dash (2017–2024), Kansas City Current (2024–)
- Lysianne Proulx – Bay FC (2024–)
- Quinn
- – Washington Spirit (2018), OL Reign (2019–)
- Rachel Quon
- – Chicago Red Stars (2013–2015)
- Sarah Robbins – Portland Thorns FC (2015)
- Jodi-Ann Robinson
- – Western New York Flash (2013)
- Maegan Rosa – FC Kansas City (2017), Utah Royals (2018), Reign FC (2019), Houston Dash (2020–2022)
- Sophie Schmidt
- – Sky Blue FC (2013–2014), Houston Dash (2019–)
- Desiree Scott
- – FC Kansas City (2013, 2016–2017), Utah Royals (2018–2020), Kansas City Current (2021–)
- Lauren Sesselmann
- – FC Kansas City (2013), Houston Dash (2014–2015)
- Kailen Sheridan
- – Sky Blue FC (2017–2021), San Diego Wave FC (2022–)
- Christine Sinclair
- – Portland Thorns FC (2013–)
- Chelsea Stewart
- – Boston Breakers (2014), Western New York Flash (2015)
- Bianca St-Georges
- – Chicago Red Stars (2019–2024), North Carolina Courage (2024–)
- Melissa Tancredi
- – Chicago Red Stars (2014–2015)[58]
- Evelyne Viens – Sky Blue FC (2020–2023)
- Amanda West – Houston Dash (2024–)
- Rhian Wilkinson
- – Boston Breakers (2013), Portland Thorns FC (2015)
- Shelina Zadorsky
- – Washington Spirit (2016–2017), Orlando Pride (2018–2020)
- Emily Zurrer
- – Seattle Reign FC (2013)
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Haiti
Jamaica
Mexico
- Christina Burkenroad – Orlando Pride (2016–2017)
- Ariana Calderón – Houston Dash (2019)
- Scarlett Camberos – Angel City FC (2023), Bay FC (2024–)[62]
- Renae Cuéllar
- – FC Kansas City (2013), Seattle Reign FC (2013), Washington Spirit (2014)
- Maribel Domínguez
- – Chicago Red Stars (2013)
- Sabrina Flores – NJ/NY Gotham FC (2019–2023)
- Dinora Garza
- – Chicago Red Stars (2013)
- Bianca Henninger – FC Kansas City (2013), Houston Dash (2014–2019)
- Katie Johnson – Seattle Reign FC (2017), Sky Blue FC (2018), Chicago Red Stars (2019–2021), San Diego Wave FC (2022), Angel City FC (2023–)[63]
- Jimena López – OL Reign (2021–2022)
- Teresa Noyola
- – Seattle Reign FC (2013), FC Kansas City (2013), Houston Dash (2014)
- Mónica Ocampo
- – Sky Blue FC (2013–2015)
- Diana Ordóñez – North Carolina Courage (2022), Houston Dash (2023–)[64]
- Verónica Pérez
- – Western New York Flash (2013), Washington Spirit (2014)
- Nayeli Rangel
- – Sky Blue FC (2013)
- Reyna Reyes – Portland Thorns FC (2023–)[65]
- Karina Rodríguez — Washington Spirit (2021–2022)[66]
- Ari Romero – Houston Dash (2014), Houston Dash (2019)
- Jennifer Ruiz
- – Seattle Reign FC (2013)
- María Sánchez – Chicago Red Stars (2019), Houston Dash (2021–)
- Cecilia Santiago
- – Boston Breakers (2013)
- Bianca Sierra – Washington Spirit (2014), Boston Breakers (2014)
- Pamela Tajonar
- – Western New York Flash (2013)
- Guadalupe Worbis
- – Washington Spirit (2013)
Puerto Rico
Trinidad and Tobago
Oceania (OFC)
New Zealand
Samoa
South America (CONMEBOL)
Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Venezuela
See also
Notes
An asterisk (*) indicates the player's NWSL salary is/was paid for by her nation's federation.[81] [82] [83]
Bold indicates current player and their team.
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: Portland Thorns FC Sign Forward Genoveva Añonma. Portland Thorns Communications. February 24, 2015.
- News: FOUR GONE CONCLUSION: Gotham says Richardson, Baxter, Cudjoe and Yokoyama won't be back in 2023 . October 14, 2022 . May 3, 2023 . Front Row Soccer . Michael . Lewis.
- News: NWSL's Racing Louisville receiving Uchenna Kanu in transfer from Liga MXF: Source . February 1, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . . Steph . Yang.
- Web site: Houston Dash sign defenders Ellie Brush and Camila. Houston Dash Communications. May 20, 2015.
- Web site: Thorns FC sign defender Stephanie Catley. Portland Thorns FC communications. February 17, 2014.
- Web site: 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.
- Web site: Australian WNT goal scorer and NWSL champion Katrina Gorry Joins Utah Royals FC. Real Salt Lake Communications. February 14, 2018.
- Web site: Flash Sign Australia Forward Michelle Heyman. Western New York Flash. July 8, 2015.
- Web site: Portland Thorns sign Australian defender Clare Polkinghorne. OregonLive . June 29, 2015.
- Web site: Boston Breakers Sign Australian Forward Kyah Simon. NWSL. June 30, 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150705045003/http://www.nwslsoccer.com/News/884410.html. July 5, 2015. mdy-all.
- Web site: Dazed and Confused: Thorns Fall to Sky Blue FC 3–1. Erin. O'Regan. Portland Mercury. June 19, 2017. January 7, 2020.
- Web site: Portland Thorns win 2017 NWSL Championship with 1–0 victory over North Carolina Courage. Jamie. Goldberg. The Oregonian. October 14, 2017. January 7, 2020.
- News: Racing Louisville rallies to 2–2 tie with Washington Spirit in home opener . April 1, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . WHAS-TV.
- Web site: Japanese International Nanase Kiryu Joins Sky Blue FC. February 18, 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140222180845/http://www.skybluefc.com/home/788267.html. February 22, 2014. mdy-all.
- Web site: NWSL – Equalizer Soccer . 2023-10-13 . en-US.
- Unsung Heroes – An NWSL Series: Narumi Miura . March 30, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . All for XI.
- Liverpool FC Women complete signing of Fuka Nagano . January 14, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . Liverpool F.C..
- Web site: Chicago Signs Japanese International Yuki Nagasato Chicago Red Stars. chicagoredstars.com. en-US. June 4, 2017.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC Roster Update . December 8, 2021 . May 3, 2023 . NJ/NY Gotham FC.
- Web site: Houston Dash sign Austrian international Nina Burger . Houston Dash communications. April 30, 2014.
- News: KC Current signs Danish World Cup defender Stine Ballisager Pedersen . July 3, 2023 . July 3, 2023 . KSHB.
- News: Gejl's strike lifts Courage over Kansas City in season opener . March 25, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . WRAL Sports Fan.
- Web site: Sky Blue FC Signs Nadia Nadim for 2015 Season. Sky Blue FC. February 16, 2015.
- Two-Hour Rain Delay Dampens Courage In Loss At Gotham Saturday . April 22, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . OurSportsCentral . North Carolina Courage.
- Web site: Spirit sign Danish defender Cecilie Sandvej. Washington Spirit. February 27, 2014.
- Web site: Reign FC Sign Danish Forward Katrine Veje. NWSL. January 21, 2015. August 4, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150806012127/http://www.nwslsoccer.com/News/2015Q1/857817.html. August 6, 2015. dead.
- Spirit Forward Tinaya Alexander Transferring to France's Montpellier HSC . September 19, 2022 . May 3, 2023 . Washington Spirit.
- Web site: #17 Nicole Douglas . May 3, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- News: Washington Spirit downs the NC Courage 2–1 . April 15, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . WRAL Sports Fan.
- Opportunity Knocks for Anna Moorhouse . March 18, 2022 . May 3, 2023 . Our Game Magazine . Richard . Laverty.
- News: Liverpool Women confirm signing of Angel City midfielder Miri Taylor. Hannah. Pinnock. Liverpool Echo. 19 January 2023.
- News: San Diego Wave FC's Carly Telford announces retirement as player . March 15, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . LAG Confidential . Alicia . Rodriguez.
- Amy Turner completes move. Tottenham Hotspur F.C.. July 27, 2022. July 27, 2022.
- Finnish defender Pikkujämsä inks with Racing . June 6, 2023 . December 9, 2022 . . en-US.
- Washington Spirit Signs French Defender Annaïg Butel . July 6, 2023 . July 6, 2023 . Washington Spirit.
- News: Angel City signs French star Amandine Henry, bolstering the club's roster . Kevin . Baxter . . June 1, 2023 . June 6, 2023.
- RECAP: Courage 1–2 Spirit . April 15, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . North Carolina Courage.
- Web site: Spirit Acquire Midfielder Kerstin Garefrekes. NWSL. June 14, 2014.
- News: EVT Interview: Marleen Schimmer shines in SD Wave debut . March 26, 2022 . May 3, 2023 . East Village Times . Lucas . Aguilera.
- San Diego Wave FC Announces Initial Roster Decisions Ahead of 2023 NWSL Season . November 15, 2022 . May 3, 2023 . San Diego Wave FC.
- Chicago Red Stars acquire Sandra Starke on loan from VfL Woflsburg . April 16, 2023 . June 8, 2023 . Chicago Red Stars.
- News: VAR was supposed to fix the NWSL's referee problems, but its debut only added more controversy . March 29, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . . Jeff . Carlisle.
- News: Erin McLeod and Gunny Jónsdóttir to leave Orlando Pride . January 24, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . OTown's 11 . Christopher . Adams.
- News: Watch: Haley Bugeja becomes Orlando Pride's youngest player after NWSL debut . September 22, 2022 . May 3, 2023 . SportsDesk . Gianluca . Lia.
- Web site: Nikki Krzysik's wandering path back to pro soccer—Philly, San Diego, Poland and Kansas City. Equalizer Soccer. December 26, 2013. January 11, 2014.
- Web site: Spirit Sign Veteran Spanish Forward Del Rio. Equalizer Soccer. March 12, 2015.
- Web site: Flash Sign Vicky Losada. WNYFlash. February 27, 2014.
- News: Maitane López inks two-year deal with Gotham FC . July 6, 2023 . July 6, 2023 . The Equalizer . Jenna . Tonelli.
- News: Debinha nets first goal for KC Current in loss to Chicago Red Stars: recap . April 15, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . . . Daniel . Sperry.
- Web site: LIVE Transfer Talk: AC Milan eye €120m for Rafael Leao's transfer amid Real Madrid, Chelsea interest. 7 September 2022. ESPN. Swedish midfielder Freja Olofsson has completed a transfer from stateside Racing Louisville for Spanish club Real Madrid, the clubs have announced..
- Julia Roddar klar för Bajen . Julia Roddar ready for Bajen . January 2023 . May 3, 2023 . . sv.
- Lindsay Agnew Announces Retirement From Professional Soccer . March 11, 2022 . May 3, 2023 . North Carolina Courage.
- Orlando Pride adds young Canadian forward Amanda Allen on three-year deal . . April 3, 2023 . July 5, 2023.
- News: Canadians thriving in NWSL, Europe ahead of April friendly against France . April 2, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . . Ben . Steiner.
- Web site: Houston Dash acquire DF Allysha Chapman, draft picks from North Carolina Courage. Houston Dash. May 9, 2018.
- News: Adriana Leon says 'surreal' move to Portland Thorns was too good to turn down . April 20, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . Canadian Soccer Daily.
- Courage acquire midfielder Victoria Pickett from Gotham FC . April 27, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . North Carolina Courage.
- Web site: Canadian international Melissa Tancredi off to Chicago of the NWSL. Winnipeg Free Press. January 9, 2014.
- Web site: FC Kansas City adds Canadian Tiffany Cameron. SB Nation. June 26, 2013.
- News: Reggae Girl Solaun joins Houston Dash . January 14, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . . Daniel . Wheeler.
- News: Angel City FC lend D Allyson Swaby to PSG . February 2023 . May 3, 2023 . The Sporting Tribune.
- News: Angel City FC heads to Orlando ready to bounce back . April 1, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . . Damian . Calhoun.
- Recap: Angel City 1, NJ/NY Gotham FC 2 . March 26, 2023 . Angel City FC.
- Houston Dash acquire forward Diana Ordóñez from North Carolina . January 12, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . Houston Dynamo FC.
- News: Portland Thorns, led by first career hat trick from Sophia Smith, secure 4–1 road win over Kansas City Current . 1 April 2023 . 2 April 2023 . . Ryan . Clarke.
- News: Karina Rodríguez refuerza la defensa de América Femenil . Karina Rodríguez reinforces the defense of América Femenil . January 4, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . OneFootball.
- News: Duke in the NWSL: Former Blue Devils continue to make an impact as NWSL season ramps up . April 30, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . . Martin . Heintzelman.
- Erceg: Racing comeback 'huge' for team confidence . April 1, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . Racing Louisville FC.
- OL Reign Waive Shirley Cruz and Rosie White . December 8, 2021 . May 3, 2023 . OL Reign.
- Orlando Pride signs Argentina international Mariana Larroquette . July 6, 2023 . July 6, 2023 . Orlando City SC.
- News: Pride rally on road for season's 1st victory . April 30, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . . Associated Press.
- Houston Dash Sign Brazilian Women's National Team Midfielder Andressa Alves . June 28, 2023 . . June 28, 2023.
- Web site: Houston Dash sign Brazilian midfielder Andressa. Houston Dash Communications. July 27, 2015.
- Match Preview: Kansas City Current hit the road to face Chicago Red Stars . April 14, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . Kansas City Current.
- News: Brazilians are increasingly taking their talents to the NWSL, eager to learn and prepare for the World Cup . April 6, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . The Equalizer . Tamerra . Griffin.
- Web site: #3 Bruninha . May 3, 2023 . . She made her NWSL debut for 25 minutes during the final match of the season (October 1) against Portland Thorns..
- News: CAN'T FLOW WITH THE CURRENT: Kansas City snaps Gotham FC's 3-game winning streak . April 30, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . Front Row Soccer . Michael . Lewis.
- Web site: Angel City Announces Roster Moves . . February 16, 2023 . November 14, 2022.
- News: The Courage to Win: Spirit defeat North Carolina 2–1 . April 16, 2023 . May 3, 2023 . The District Press.
- Web site: Lady Andrade to play for WNY Flash. July 18, 2015 . Equalizer Soccer. July 21, 2015.
- NWSL Announces List of 55 Allocated Players . United States Soccer Federation . January 9, 2013 . January 26, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130203054005/http://www.ussoccer.com/Social/WNT-Blog.aspx?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&UID=d64c9a0e-f4da-40cf-ab0a-d80aab1b0a00&plckPostId=Blog:d64c9a0e-f4da-40cf-ab0a-d80aab1b0a00Post:fa6093e5-c13e-422d-b70c-580a8ae1b96d&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest . February 3, 2013 . dead .
- NWSL Announces Allocation of 55 National Team Players to Eight Clubs . United States Soccer Federation . January 11, 2013 . January 26, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130304205519/http://www.ussoccer.com/News/NWSL/2013/01/NWSL-Announces-Allocation-of-55-National-Team-Players-to-Eight-Clubs.aspx . March 4, 2013 .
- Web site: NWSL ANNOUNCES 2014 ALLOCATED PLAYERS . NWSL . January 3, 2014 . January 3, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140108084743/http://www.nwslsoccer.com/News/778387.html . January 8, 2014 .