Women's football

Manchester City striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw has been hailed as "the best in the world" after her brilliant hat-trick against Tottenham on Saturday. The centre-forward scored the quickest hat-trick in Women's Super League history as City beat Spurs 5-2 in a thumping victory.

The FIFA Council approved a new legislation that mandates that a woman head coach or a woman assistant coach must be on every team across all of FIFA's youth and senior women's football tournaments, national team competitions, and club competitions. This initiative and mandate are to increase the number of women coaches and fit into FIFA's long-term strategy to do so.

When Emma Hayes' time at Chelsea was coming to a well-publicised end in the final few months of the 2023-24 season, ahead of her move to the United States to take over its iconic national team, the revered manager took a moment in one of her final press conferences to ponder what the Blues' team might look like in the future, given the progress being made in the women's youth set-up and the work being done to try bridge the gap between the academy and the first team.

International player Lisanne Gräwe made her debut in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga at the age of 17. Yet she had almost given up on her football career very early on.

Less than two years ago, Khiara Keating appeared to have the world at her feet. Aged 19, she emerged as Manchester City's starting goalkeeper, won her first senior England call-up and, at the end of the 2023-24 season, became the youngest player ever to win the Women's Super League Golden Glove. And yet, on Sunday, she made just her third league appearance of the current season, having been left out of the Lionesses senior squad last month due to a lack of game time.

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.

Winners win trophies. That was the simple message that Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor gave her players before Sunday’s League Cup final. It clearly got through, too, because her Blues put on a performance of champions to beat Manchester United and win the first silverware of the season, while sending a message to the rest of England - and Europe - that, despite a disappointing campaign so far, they are still a huge threat.

GOAL reviews top USWNT performances abroad, from Naomi Girma’s injury to Alyssa Thompson’s first League Cup with Chelsea and Heaps, Yohannes lifting the French Cup with Lyon.

USWNT sensation Alyssa Thompson has lifted the lid on her daunting transition from Angel City FC to the relentless spotlight of the Women's Super League. Trading the sunny comforts of her Los Angeles hometown for a blockbuster move to Chelsea, the 20-year-old forward revealed the leap was so intimidating that she braced herself to go four months without finding the back of the net in a star-studded Blues squad.

Chelsea have been handed a massive boost by Lauren James extending her stay until 2030, hours after her brother and men's team captain Reece signed a new long-term deal until 2032. This historic double commitment ensures the James siblings remain central to the club’s ambitions, marking a monumental day for the Blues' present and future success.

Chelsea’s season hasn’t gone to plan so far. After romping to a sixth successive Women’s Super League crown last year, going unbeaten through all 22 games to set multiple records, the Blues’ title defence has fallen incredibly flat. Sat nine points behind leaders Manchester City with six games to go, it’s simply not been good enough for a club with such high standards.

Chelsea Women's hero Guro Reiten has completed a transfer to NWSL side Gotham FC, bringing her legendary seven-year stay in west London to a close. The 31-year-old Norwegian joins Gotham on an initial loan that will be made permanent after her contract at Chelsea expires this summer. She has a pre-contract agreement in place with Gotham that will keep her at the club until 2029.

Colorado has long been a soccer state, but women’s sports lacked a pro team. Through interviews with players, coaches and executives, GOAL shares how Denver Summit FC rose from grassroots to NWSL club.

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

Chelsea will be without captain Millie Bright for Sunday's League Cup final against Manchester United, dealing the Blues a big blow in their bid to retain the trophy. However, head coach Sonia Bompastor will be able to welcome back another key player this weekend, giving her side a necessary boost amid a flurry of injuries.

Manchester City are reportedly 'close' to agreeing a new deal with star striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, just a day after the Women's Super League's leading goal-scorer was linked with a move to rivals Chelsea. Shaw's contract expires this summer but it appears she will be staying in Manchester, despite interest from the Blues in London.

Inside GOAL's The Late Run with USWNT forward and two-time NWSL Champion, Midge Purce.

Manchester City are on the brink of a first Women's Super League title since 2016, and a big reason for their incredible performances this season has been the midfield duo of Yui Hasegawa and Laura Blindkilde Brown. And yet, in January, the Cityzens got even stronger in that position when they added another truly world-class midfielder in United States star Sam Coffey, making a move that can have so many short- and long-term benefits.

From Trinity Rodman’s individual success to high hopes for Denver Summit FC, GOAL outlines its predictions for the NWSL season in 2026.

There was less than an hour remaining in the Women’s Super League summer transfer window when the most stunning business of all was completed. Jess Park and Grace Clinton had been stalwarts at Manchester City and Manchester United, respectively, during the previous season. And yet, at the eleventh hour, both were sent to opposite sides of the city, to represent what had been their biggest and bitterest rival.

NWSL returns with a packed schedule and familiar chaos. From stars like Sophia Wilson, Marta, and Temwa Chawinga to the teams you can avoid, here’s who’s actually worth your weekend watch.

Alyssa and Gisele Thompson impressed as the USWNT won the SheBelieves Cup, but a crowded midfield and a quiet night for Phallon Tullis-Joyce left a few questions to answer.

Alisha Lehmann led the way for Switzerland Women as they maintained their perfect start to their 2027 World Cup qualification campaign, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Malta on Saturday. The Leicester City star scored the all-important second goal as the Swiss completely overpowered their opponents, registering a total of 28 shots.

Some England camps pass by without there being much new to learn; the Lionesses' first camp of 2026 was not one of those. As Sarina Wiegman's side returned to competitive action for the first time since their triumphant European Championship campaign, getting off to a perfect start in qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup with impressive wins over both Ukraine and Iceland, a whole host of talking points were created.

HARRISON, N.J. - Alyssa Thompson’s late winner secured the U.S. Women’s National Team's eighth SheBelieves Cup title on Saturday night, as the forward credited her sister and teammate Gisele Thompson for helping her perform in the biggest moments. The forward also mentioned why the move to Chelsea FC was vital for her growth as a player.

Lucy Bronze continues to cement her legacy as one of the greatest players to ever pull on an England shirt, but the veteran defender remains humble about her remarkable longevity. During the Lionesses' 2-0 victory over Iceland, the 34-year-old earned her 145th international cap, moving her into third place on the all-time appearances list for the women’s national team. It was a vintage performance from the full-back, who contributed both a goal and an assist to secure the win.

Chelsea star Lauren James has opened up about the public scrutiny regarding her personality and the "lazy" labels often attached to her playing style. James insists that her laid-back nature is a reflection of her introverted character rather than a lack of professional desire.

The USWNT face Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup final knowing a win or draw would secure their eighth title in the tournament’s 11-year history.

Morgan spoke with GOAL as a part of U.S. Soccer's new partnership with Henkel and shared why she believes the upcoming World Cup will be a significant moment for women's soccer as well.