Sophia Wilson will return to the Portland Thorns for the 2026 NWSL season after exercising the player option in her contract. The 25-year-old U.S. women’s national team forward missed the 2025 campaign while on maternity leave, but is set to resume her career with the club where it began after she was selected No. 1 in the 2020 NWSL College Draft, and became a central figure in Portland’s sustained success.

Every summer, GOAL publishes its exclusive list of the 25 players who have proven themselves truly elite by consistently producing top performances

With record early ticket sales and plans for soccer-specific stadium, the expansion franchise is already gaining momentum

NWSL champion shares news as she prepares for new chapter ahead of the start of the 2025 season

GOAL US writers answer your questions on topics of interest to soccer fans in the U.S. and beyond