From the NWSL to Paris: Your Favorite Players to Watch in the 2024 Olympics

July 23, 2024
By Jesse McDonough

With just 4 days to go to the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, the excitement is palpable, especially within the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) community. This year, numerous NWSL players will represent their countries on one of the world’s biggest stages. With 12 national teams competing, fans have the unique opportunity to see their favorite league stars battle for Olympic gold.

United States – 19 NWSL Players

Now being led by Emma Hayes, the USWNT boasts a youthful and talented lineup, and will be looking to put their new squad to the test. All but 3 players on the USWNT roster play for the NWSL (Lindsey Horan – Lyon, Korbin Albert – PSG, Emily Fox – Arsenal). including NWSL standouts like Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith, and Alyssa Naeher. Under the guidance of coach Emma Hayes, the team is aiming for their first Olympic gold since 2012.

Here’s the full breakdown by team:

Chicago Red Stars: Alyssa Naher (GK), Mal Swanson
Gotham FC: Tierna Davidson, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, Lynn Williams, Crystal Dunn
NC Courage: Casey Murphy (GK),
SD Wave: Naomi Girma, Jaelyn Shaw
Portland Thorns: Sam Coffey, Sophia Smith
Washington Spirit: Trinity Rodman, Hal Hershfelt (reserve), Croix Bethune (reserve)
Houston Dash: Jane Campbell (GK reserve)
Orlando Pride: Emily Sams (reserve)

Brazil: 7 NWSL players

The Brazilian team will be led by the iconic Marta (Orlando Pride), who will be making her 6th and final Olympic appearance– HISTORIC! She announced that 2024 will be her last run with the national team. Other NWSL talents include Adriana (Orlando Pride), defenders Tarciane (Houston Dash) and Rafaelle (Orlando Pride), and Kerolin, who plays for NC Courage, despite being out since October with an ACL injury. A shock was Debinha (Kansas City Current forward) being left off the roster. Lauren from KC Current and Angelina from Orlando Pride have been named as reserves.

Canada: 10 NWSL players

The defending Olympic champions will look to make a name for themselves once again on the international stage, especially after their shocking group stage exit at the recent World Cup. The team will unfortunately be without Christine Sinclair, who retired from international play. The NWSL stars that will be seen in Canada red include goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave), defender Syndey Collins (NC Courage), defender Vanessa Gilles (Angel City), midfielder Quinn (Seattle Reign), forward Janine Beckie (Portland Thorns), forward Jordyn Huitema (Portland Thorns), forward Nichelle Prince (KC Current), and star midfielder Jessie Fleming (Portland Thorns). Two NWSL players were called up as reserves: Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit) and Lysianne Proulx (Bay FC).

Nigeria: 5 NWSL Players

Being back in the Olympics for the first time since 2008, this young team will look to make a statement and prove themselves by getting out of the group stage. Defenders Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash) and Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns) will hold the backline while forwards Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC), Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville), and Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals) will look to translate some of their NWSL bangers into Olympic goals!

New Zealand: 3 NWSL Players

The Football Ferns include 3 NWSL players on their roster. Veteran defender Ali Riley (Angel City) will be a leader on the team along with midfielder Macey Fraser (Utal Royals) and forward Milly Clegg (Racing Louisville).

Remaining Olympic Teams

Australia: 4 NWSL Players

The Matildas hope to make more history after their historic run in the World Cup. Although they won’t have their star player Sam Kerr at the front as she continues her ACL recovery, they have 4 NWSL studs to lean on: Veteran goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (Portland Thorns FC), Emily van Egmond and Kaitlyn Torpey (SD Wave), and Cortnee Vine (NC Courage).

Zambia: 3 NWSL Players

The Zambian roster features the two most expensive female footballers of all time, Bay FC forwards Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda, who has been a goal-scoring machine for Orlando Pride. Her Orlando teammate, midfielder Grace Chanda, will join her as well.

Germany: 2 NWSL Players

Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham)
Reserve Felicitas Rauch (NC Courage)

Olympic teams with 1 NWSL player on their roster:

France: midfielder Amandine Henry (Utah Royals)
Australia: midfielder Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave)
Japan: Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals)
Columbia: Leicy Santos (Washington Spirit)

The only Olympic team without an NWSL player is Spain, which is interesting, considering the 2023 World Cup winners are a popular favorite to come out of the games with a Gold medal!

Get your 2024 NWSL Collection Volume 1 Retail Hanger Pack today and join us in celebrating the talent and dedication of these amazing athletes as they compete for Olympic glory. For more information and to purchase your pack, visit Parkside Trading Cards.