The NWSL is one of the best leagues in the world when it comes to women’s soccer, providing the perfect place for future stars to learn and grow. Some of the top coaches, clubs, and players are drawn to the US in the early stages of their careers thanks to the league receiving more funding than any other women’s competition worldwide. The growth of the women’s game is gradually catching up to the long-standing dominance of soccer in the United States, with players making the move to North America years ago to pursue their professional dreams. Recently, the league’s visibility has grown even further, alongside other booming industries such as online casino NJ platforms, which have also seen rapid popularity and expansion. Today, we’ll be taking a look at 4 soccer players you didn’t know played in the NWSL.
Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr is often regarded as one of the current best footballers in the world, dominating in the WSL as one of the biggest goal threats, leading from the front. Australia has seen many talents when it comes to women’s soccer, but not many with the incredible ability of Sam Kerr. Kerr began her career in her home country of Australia, but moved to the US in 2013 to represent Western New York Flash, before moving back to Australia and returning in 2015 for Sky Blue FC and then Chicago Red Stars. After using the MLS to develop her talent, Kerr was ready to take on Europe, making her big move to Chelsea in 2020, where she currently still plays, dominating the WSL and picking up 5 league titles and 3 FA Cups.
Rachel Daly
Rachel Daly is the perfect example of a player who used the WSL to perfect her craft before leaving to conquer Europe. Whether it is playing up front or placed at left back, Rachel Daly has it all, being such a versatile player, she can play almost anywhere on the field.
At a young age, Daly took the leap to play college soccer in America after a relatively slow start at Leeds and Lincoln Ladies in the UK. After playing for a variety of clubs in the States, ranging from college soccer to lower league women’s football, she got a dream move to Houston Dash, where she spent 6 years mastering the game. After experiencing the English game in a loan spell to West Ham, she made a permanent move to Aston Villa and picked up several international caps, as well as winning the Euros.
Kim Little
Kim Little is another example of a player who learned her trade before making the move to England. She is now known as one of the most experienced players in the WSL, leading Arsenal to some well deserved silverware. Little started her career at Hibernian in Scotland before moving to Arsenal for her first spell in English football, ending with her move to Seattle Reign in 2013. Between 2014 and 2016, Little honed her skills in one of the world’s most competitive leagues, gaining valuable experience and growing into a more well-rounded footballer. After developing her abilities, she chose a move back to Arsenal, where she was soon named club captain with the mission of leading the Gunners back to the top. During her return to Arsenal, she has picked up 3 FA Cups as well as leading them to the club’s first ever Champions League win, cementing her name in the history of Arsenal and Scottish soccer history.
Eugenie Le Sommer
Widely regarded as one of the greatest French women’s players in history, Le Sommer has dominated European football for years, spending most of her career with the powerhouse club Lyon. The now 36 year old forward spent most of her youth and development days in France. After an impressive start to her career during her 3 year spell with Stade Briochin, Le Sommer was made a priority target by Lyon to fill their number 9 spot. During the first 11 years at the club, Le Sommer gained plenty of vital experience and became one of the most prolific goal scorers in Europe, winning 10 League titles and 7 Champions Leagues. In 2021, she took a loan move to Seattle Reign for one season, where she made over 20 appearances before returning to Lyon to further win 3 more league titles and 1 more Champions League title. As of 2025, as she comes to the end of her impressive career, she continues to add to her over 200 France international appearances while representing Mexican side Toluca, continuing to be a massive goal scoring threat.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of big names that have also featured in the NWSL who have made a big name in Europe, or even continued to dominate in the States. The league will forever uphold its reputation as being one of the greatest leagues in women’s soccer, with plenty more stars being linked to a move.
