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NWSL news

Manaka Matsukubo joins Chelsea FC from North Carolina Courage

Chelsea FC have signed Japan international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo from the National Women's Soccer League's North Carolina Courage. The 21-year-old joins the Blues on a five-year contract after a standout season in which she won the NWSL Midfielder of the Year award, adding another rising star to Chelsea's midfield ahead of the new campaign.

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Stanway provides top-class solution to Arsenal's midfield problem

It's here. The 2026 summer transfer window has arrived and it promises to be an extremely eventful one in the women's game, with several stars on the move. There are also plenty of deals that have been rumoured and reported for some time, with only the official announcements seemingly left to be done, while there will be some shocks along the way, too, as always.

NWSL brings first-ever professional women's soccer game to Ohio

The NWSL Challenge Cup, presented by e.l.f. Cosmetics, brought the league's first match to Ohio as reigning champions Gotham FC met NWSL Shield winners Kansas City Current.

How Lionesses teen Parkinson's elite mentality led to NWSL switch

Erica Parkinson was just 12 years old when she laid out her goals to a mindset coach who has spent the last six years helping her plot a route to the top of the game. "I want to play for England at the World Cup," she proclaimed. Fast-forward to today and, having become the Lionesses’ youngest call-up under Sarina Wiegman and just signed for the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, it’s not out of the question that the dream could be realised in 12 months’ time.

Lionesses starlet Parkinson joins North Carolina Courage in NWSL

One of England's brightest young talents, Erica Parkinson, has signed for two-time NWSL champions North Carolina Courage in the first big transfer of her career. The 18-year-old became the youngest player to be called up by Sarina Wiegman in her Lionesses tenure earlier this year and is now set to continue her development in one of the best leagues in the women's game.

Kerr's return, Macario ready to star - Five biggest NWSL stories

The NWSL returns from its midseason break with San Diego Wave atop the table. GOAL breaks down five key storylines as the playoff race heats up.

Former Chelsea star Sam Kerr joins Gotham FC

Gotham FC signed Sam Kerr through the 2030 season, as the deal marks a return to Gotham for Kerr, who previously played three seasons with Sky Blue FC and ends her six-year career with Chelsea FC.

The most expensive transfers in women's football history - listed

Chelsea, Arsenal, the Orlando Pride and the London City Lionesses all broke the world record in 2025 alone, as spending in the women's game grows

Chawinga renews KC Current contract until 2029

Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga won NWSL MVP and Golden Boot honors for the past two seasons and the Ballon d'Or shortlisted player just re-signed a contract with the Current through 2029 by way of the High Impact player rule.

Putellas to choose next club 'this week' as NWSL interest grows

Barcelona icon Alexia Putellas is set to choose her next club this week, after departing Catalunya at the end of last season. London City Lionesses remain the favourites to sign the two-time Ballon d'Or winner but interest is growing in the NWSL, with two teams in the United States pushing hard to secure her signature, according to a report.

Sam Kerr set for return to reigning NWSL champs Gotham FC

Australian forward Sam Kerr is reportedly heading back to the NWSL. After six trophy-filled seasons with Chelsea, five Women's Super League titles and two Golden Boots, the Australia international has reportedly agreed to rejoin Gotham FC. Kerr previously starred in the NWSL with Sky Blue FC, Chicago and Western New York, leaving as the league's all-time leading scorer.

Chelsea FC v Manchester United - Barclays Women's Super League

Kerr close to NWSL return after Chelsea exit

Sam Kerr is reportedly on the verge of a sensational return to the United States as she nears a free transfer to NWSL champions Gotham FC. The legendary Australian forward recently confirmed her departure from Chelsea, bringing the curtain down on a trophy-laden era in west London that saw her become the club's joint-highest goalscorer.

Ted Lasso & Rebecca Welton romance? Waddingham quizzed on love story

Hannah Waddingham has opened up about the potential for a romantic spark between Rebecca Welton and Ted Lasso as the hit show prepares for its highly anticipated return. The AFC Richmond owner has addressed the fan theories that have dominated social media since the series first captured the hearts of football fans worldwide.

Sweden v England - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Quarter-Final

Kelly, Russo & James among six Lionesses awarded MBEs

Six stellar members of England’s triumphant UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 squad have been officially awarded MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2026. The prestigious royal accolades recognise their magnificent back-to-back European title defence in Switzerland alongside significant contributions to football, capping an incredible cycle of success for the national setup.

NWSL announces 2026 Championship will return to Audi Field

For the second time in National Women's Soccer League history, the NWSL Championship will return to Audi Field in Washington, D.C., home to the Washington Spirit. The venue also hosted the 2022 NWSL Championship where the Portland Thorns were victorious over the Kansas City Current.

Ballon d'Or Feminin: Putellas on top despite Pajor UWCL heroics

Aitana Bonmati has won each of the last three Ballons d'Or Feminin - but the accolade will go to someone else in 2026. Will it be two-time winner and fellow Barcelona star Alexia Putellas who reasserts herself as the best player in the women's game? Or could there be a new name on the honour roll when the Golden Ball is handed out in Paris in October?

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10 biggest women's players set for summer transfers

It's officially transfer season. Europe's biggest competitions have concluded, new champions have been crowned and now attention turns to who will be on the move ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with there plenty of big names in the women's game set for summer switches in what promises to be an entertaining and exciting few months.

Exclusive: Naomi Girma opens up on USWNT culture, Alex Morgan & more

US Women's National Team and Chelsea defender Naomi Girma sat down with the Soccer Girl Podcast to discuss the pressures of elite football, the evolution of the women's game and the deeply personal motivation behind her mental health advocacy.

NWSL Power Ranks: Swanson is back and who is stopping Utah?

Who's hot? Who's not? GOAL ranks each of the current 16 National Women's Soccer League teams.

NWSL Power Ranks: Chawinga's hat trick pushes KC Current forward

Who's hot? Who's not? GOAL ranks each of the current 16 National Women's Soccer League teams.

NWSL's 18th franchise is headed to Columbus

Columbus has officially been awarded a National Women's Soccer League expansion team. The announcement came Tuesday at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, confirming that Columbus, Ohio, will become the league's 18th franchise. The club is set to begin play in spring 2028 alongside fellow expansion side Atlanta.

Sarina Wiegman Niamh Charles Keira Barry composite

Lionesses add new face to squad to face Spain after injury withdrawal

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has been forced to rejig her squad slightly ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Iceland next week, after an injury withdrawal. The England manager has taken the opportunity to hand out another maiden call-up while also strengthening her squad with a further body, by adding Chelsea full-back Niamh Charles following her strong return to action after three months out.

Sophia Wilson returns to USWNT feeling grounded and balanced

Sophia Wilson is back with the USWNT after stepping away for motherhood, saying the journey has left her feeling more balanced, grounded and ready for the next chapter.

Chelsea FC v West Ham United - Barclays Women's Super League

Kerr set for Chelsea exit and NWSL return

Sam Kerr is reportedly set to end her time with Chelsea to return to the NWSL. The Australian icon is expected to sign with expansion side Denver Summit FC after six dominant years in west London.

United States v Italy - International Friendly

San Diego Wave announce signing of USWNT's Cat Macario

San Diego Wave signed USWNT forward Cat Macario from Chelsea, in a deal worth a total of $8 million, the club announced Friday morning. Including add ons, it is expected to be the most significant outlay for a transfer in women's soccer history. Macario spent her youth career playing for the San Diego Surf, before leaving for Europe. This will be her first time playing in NWSL.

NXGN 2026: Top 25 teenage talents in women's football

The annual NXGN lists are back for 2026, as GOAL ranks the world's top teenage talents in men's and women's football, crowning winners that will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Lena Oberdorf and Linda Caicedo in being recognised as the best young footballers on the planet.

Macario leaves Chelsea for record San Diego deal

Catarina Macario is set to make history by leaving Chelsea to join the San Diego Wave in the National Women's Soccer League. This groundbreaking transfer is reported to be the most lucrative contract ever signed in women's professional football, signalling a massive shift in the sport's financial landscape and bringing the American international back to where her career began.