Emma Hayes does not directly influence U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) players to seek opportunities abroad; rather, she acknowledges that each player is capable of making their own decisions. As the next major tournament, the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, approaches, many U.S. players are exploring international clubs, following a long-standing trend. Notable examples include Megan Rapinoe’s move to Lyon in 2013 before the 2015 World Cup and Alex Morgan’s transfer to Tottenham in 2020, both of which reflect players’ desires to enhance their careers.
Hayes has consistently stated that the decision to play abroad lies solely with the players. “There’s always an assumption that the national team coach either encourages players to go abroad or stops that from happening,” Hayes remarked. “The reality is, the players are their own individuals. If clubs wish to sell their players to Europe and the players are interested, they will always have my support. I want them to be happy and developed, as I believe that leads to success on the pitch.”
The 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season kicks off Friday, with reigning champions Orlando Pride facing the Chicago Stars, and the Washington Spirit visiting the Houston Dash. However, the season will miss some of the league’s brightest stars, such as Girma, who made headlines by becoming the first female soccer player to transfer for $1 million when she moved from the San Diego Wave to Chelsea.
Concerns about the league’s future are largely unfounded, according to Hayes. The NWSL remains the home for a significant number of USWNT players, many of whom made significant intra-league transfers this offseason. Lynn Biyendolo has moved from NJ/NY Gotham to Seattle Reign, Jaedyn Shaw transferred from San Diego Wave to North Carolina Courage, and Yazmeen Ryan was traded from Gotham to the Dash.
“I believe the NWSL is a premier league,” Hayes stated. “It stands out as the most competitive league from top to bottom, and it’s where most of our players aspire to play.”
“However, personal preferences play a role,” she added. “Some players are eager to explore new experiences. Clubs control their contracts, and if they decide to leave, there’s little I can do. But I firmly believe that players should determine their own futures, and those choices are ultimately between the player and the club.”
When players opt for an “adventure,” as Dunn referred to her recent move to Paris Saint-Germain, they often seek Hayes’ insights. For younger players like Nighswonger, Hayes highlighted that “Arsenal is one of the top clubs in the world,” suggesting it would be an excellent opportunity for her development.
“They want to gauge my thoughts on the environments they are considering,” Hayes explained. “I always ask, ‘What’s right for you? Where are you in your career? What do you need?’ It’s fantastic for women’s soccer that our players have these opportunities, but the decision is deeply personal.”
Dunn expressed gratitude for Hayes’ supportive approach during her move, emphasizing that Hayes respected her need to make the right decision for herself. “She wanted the best for me,” Dunn shared, “and hoped I would find an environment that fulfilled my needs as a player.”
Heaps, who has spent much of her career in France, champions the idea of U.S. players pursuing opportunities abroad. As the first American teenage girl to skip college and play professionally in Europe with PSG, she believes that stepping out of the NWSL can foster significant personal growth. “It’s a different challenge,” Heaps noted, “and it can help players mature quickly in a new setting.”
Heaps also emphasizes that she does not wish to exert pressure on players considering moves. “I have casual conversations with anyone thinking about Europe,” she said, wanting to ensure players make their own informed decisions. “I provide information on Lyon, but ultimately, I want them to choose for themselves.”
When Girma joined Chelsea, Heaps was in attendance to support her. “It was a proud moment,” she reflected, recognizing the importance of Girma’s record transfer.
Girma made her club debut on March 2, but an early injury kept her from fully experiencing the WSL. Meanwhile, Fox, who joined Arsenal in January 2024, has already felt the impact of training with elite players. “Every day, I’m inspired by my teammates, who are stars on their national teams,” Fox remarked, noting the heightened competition has better prepared her for USWNT camps.
Dunn, now with PSG, has noticed significant improvements in her game. “Training has been incredible,” she stated, explaining that her new environment has challenged her in ways the NWSL could not. “I wanted a new adventure, and this experience has been exciting for me and my family.”
As the World Cup approaches, more USWNT players may seek international opportunities. Sam Coffey recently expressed her commitment to the Thorns while hinting at her long-standing desire to play in Europe. Trinity Rodman, part of the famous USWNT trio known as ‘Triple Espresso,’ shared that playing in Europe is a goal she intends to achieve, emphasizing that it’s a matter of timing.
The impact of an increasing number of USWNT players in Europe on the team leading up to the next World Cup and Olympics remains uncertain. “It’s hard to predict,” Dunn noted. “While there’s a wave of players leaving, I can’t say if this will become the norm in women’s soccer. Ultimately, every player must choose what is best for their career.”
