10 International Players to Watch in the NWSL This Year
There are many reasons why the NWSL is considered one of the world’s best women’s soccer leagues. Not only does the NWSL include many players who are crucial to the USWNT, but there are also many great international players. Throughout the years, the league has been home to many talented internationals, like Sam Kerr. Even today, we still have the chance to witness great international players who make a difference for their national teams. Here are ten international players to watch in the NWSL this year.
Debinha – Kansas City Current
Brazilian national Debinha has been met with success since she moved to Kansas City Current. Despite the team’s table position last season, no one can deny Debinha’s talent and quality. During the 2023 season, Debinha scored nine goals and had two assists.
Her contributions are even more impressive when seen in regard to the team’s position–11th place. Debinha even came in third place for the 2023 season’s league scorers and received NWSL Best XI First Team recognition last season.
We can expect more great numbers from Debinha in the new season. When speaking about Debinha, Kansas City Current’s General Manager, Camille Ashton, only had positive words to share. “Deb is one of the best players in the world. Her creativity, vision, and ability to impact any game is incredible,” said Ashton. All of this makes Debinha a must-watch international player in the new NWSL season.
Kailen Sheridan – San Diego Wave
Kailen Sheridan, Canada’s goalkeeper, is undeniably one of the best keepers in the NWSL and the world. Playing for San Diego Wave FC, Sheridan has made a big difference for the team. She also impacted the NWSL in general, being a finalist for NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year several times, including in 2023 and 2021; she won the award in 2022.
The San Diego Wave goalkeeper also made it toWSL Best XI Second Team in 2023; her role in the team winning the NWSL Shield for 2023 can’t be denied. Sheridan started 20 games last season, with nine being sheets. She’s a keeper who is great with the ball at her feet in and makes saves.
Jess Fishlock – Seattle Reign
Another amazing international player in the NWSL is Wales’ Jess Fishlock. Fishlock has been part of Seattle Reign FC’s team for 12 years. In 2021, she was named the NWSL Most Valuable Player. Fishlock was also part of the NWSL Best XI Second Team in 2022. Throughout her career, she showed why many consider her one of the best. She is dedicated, and one can expect her always to contribute, whether with Seattle or Wales.
With Wales, Fishlock is an essential part of the team. Not to mention that she is their most capped player. A few days ago, Fishlock showed everyone she still has much to offer. In a friendly match against Republic of Ireland, she scored for Wales, and her goal was followed by another from her Seattle Reign teammate, Lily Woodham.
Hina Sugita – Portland Thorns
Japan’s Hina Sugita has been part of Portland Thorns FC since 2022. Last year, the Thorns extended Sugita’s contract until 2026. During the NWSL 2022 season, Sugita scored five goals and made four assists. While in the 2023 season, the Japanese player scored six goals and made three assists. Thorns’ Head Coach Mike Norris said, “Hina has had a massively positive impact on us in her two years here, not only on the field but also off the field. We are over the moon that she has committed her longer-term future with us.”
Sugita moved to Thorns FC from Japan’s WE League. Her adaptation to changing countries and playing styles is nothing short of impressive. On the international side, she was part of Japan’s team in the last WWC. With the talent that Sugita has been showing since her move to the NWSL, she’ll be one to watch this season.
Asisat Oshoala – Bay FC
One of the most surprising transfers this year is Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala moving to Bay FC. Coming from FC Barcelona, almost everyone expects that Oshoala will play an essential role in Bay FC’s inaugural season. This isn’t surprising since Oshoala is considered one of the best African players. She has been named the African Women’s Player of the Year six times so far; her most recent win of that title was last year. Oshoala was also the first African woman nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
During her five seasons with Barcelona, Oshoala scored 107 goals, which is a jaw-dropping number. Regarding Oshoala, Bay FC general manager Lucy Rushton said, “Asisat is a proven goal scorer at the most elite levels of World football.”
Maria Sánchez – Houston Dash
Mexico’s Maria Sánchez has caused a lot of dialogue for her record-breaking deal with the Houston Dash. Last year, Sánchez showed how she is a threat to defenders with eight goal contributions with the Dash. She also had 22 appearances, which shows her importance to the team and the impact she is capable of having. This impact made the Dash extend Sánchez’s contract through 2026 with a mutual option for 2027.
The story of Sánchez is inspiring especially since she has never played club soccer. Even after setting the Idaho high school state record for goals, with 178 goals, she only received one scholarship. Mexico’s Sánchez is an excellent example of patience and focusing on your goals.
Emily van Egmond – San Diego Wave
Australia’s Emily van Egmond has played for several teams in the NWSL, including the Chicago Red Stars and Seattle Reign FC. The international player is now playing for San Diego Wave FC. With over 100 caps for the Australian National Team, van Egmond is critical to Australia just as she is essential to the San Diego Wave. In 2022, she played 24 regular-season games, and 11 in 2023.
Recently, the team announced that it would re-sign her, which has been a delight for the club’s fans. Former San Diego Wave FC General Manager Molly Downtain described Van Egmond in nothing but positive words. “She is a veteran player who was instrumental to our first two years of success and wants to continue to help the Wave raise more trophies. We are delighted to have her back with the club,” Downtain said about van Egmond. There is no doubt that the veteran player will help the San Diego Wave in the new season.
Rocky Rodriguez – Angel City
Costa Rica’s Raquel, or Rocky, Rodríguez plays a huge part in the national team; she played for them in more than 100 matches. She also plays an important role on the club level. Fans should expect to see a new side of Rodríguez in the new NWSL season because of her most recent move to Angel City FC after being traded from the Portland Thorns.
One of the most memorable things about Rodríguez was scoring for Costa Rica in the 2015 WWC against Spain; this was Costa Rica’s first-ever World Cup goal. She was also selected No. 2 overall in the 2016 NWSL Draft, so it comes as no surprise that the Costa Rican is one of the international players to watch in the NWSL.
Esther González – Gotham FC
Another international player who made headlines after her move to the NWSL is Spain’s Esther González. After leaving Real Madrid, González joined Gotham FC. In her last season in Liga F, González scored 16 goals. After joining Gotham during the mid-NWSL season, she found immediate success and helped them win an NWSL Championship. She scored the winning goal in the final.
Now, Gotham FC’s fans are waiting to see what they know González can add to the team during the new season. Real Madrid’s all-time leading goal scorer is undoubtedly considered one of the most exciting international players to watch in the league. Especially since it’s not every day that a player signs and then scores two goals on their home debut, which is precisely what González did.
Casey Phair – Angel City
Another international player to watch in the NWSL this year is South Korea’s young Phair. Phair was born to an American father and a South Korean mother. She is already expected to have a bright future in the NWSL with Angel City FC, especially since she was part of South Korea’s squad in the last Women’s World Cup, making her the youngest player to ever play in the tournament.
Phair was also part of South Korea’s under-17 team in the qualifiers for the 2024 Women’s Asian Cup. She scored twice against Tajikistan and scored three goals against Hong Kong. The 16-year-old’s talent is undeniable, and her ability to play under pressure against major players sealed the deal for Angel City. The three-year contract will allow Phair to play in a competitive league such as the NWSL. The signing made her the youngest player in Angel City FC history, and the fans will be waiting to see Phair’s development.
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