NWSL: Washington Spirit Scouts Overseas Talent

Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji

Mexico captain Rebeca Bernal has signed with Washington Spirit on a three-year contract.

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The Washington Spirit are building out their 2025 roster with an international slant, signing Mexico and CF Monterrey captain Rebeca Bernal to a three-year deal.

Bernal joins eight other players — including fellow newcomers Japan’s Narumi Miura, Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun, Brazil’s Tamara Bolt, and Uganda’s Shadia Nankya — now occupying the Spirit’s allotted international slots.

The 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship runners-up saw success last season, relying on a mix of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) stars like Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune, and key global talents like Colombia’s Leicy Santos, Côte d’Ivoire’s Rosemonde Kouassi, and France’s Ouleye Sarr.

Washington also looked abroad for a head coach, bringing in Jonatan Giráldez midseason off of a decorated run with FC Barcelona.

Read Also – 2024 In Review: USWNT Gold Feat, Orlando Pride, And Barbra Banda Year

Spirit owner and Kynisca Sports Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michele Kang has similarly expanded her soccer portfolio beyond United States (US) borders, buying controlling interests in Olympique Lyonnais and the London City Lionesses in recent years and setting a tone for the increasingly international club.

With the NWSL draft abolished and parity rising around the world, US teams are pulling from a wider player pool — and after last season’s finish, Washington appears to be betting on a modern, global philosophy to get them over the top in 2025.

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About Author

Oluwaseun Oyediji

I am a huge advocate of Women’s football after covering the Nigeria Women Football Leagues (NWFL) since 2019. An unbiased football writer with penchant for women’s in sports and historical analysis.

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