Sofia Cantore, Juve star, arrives at the Washington Spirit of the NWSL

Sofia Cantore Bolsters Washington Spirit: First Italian in the NWSL

The Washington Spirit has finalized the incorporation of forward Sofia Cantore, coming from Juventus of Serie A. This signing marks a milestone, as Cantore becomes the first Italian footballer in the history of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Cantore will officially join the Spirit once the NWSL transfer window opens on July 1st. The player has signed a contract that ties her to the Washington team until the 2027 season, with an option to extend it until 2028.

“I am very proud to join this important club and grateful for the trust they have placed in my abilities,” Cantore expressed.

Sofia Cantore

The Italian forward, who has been recently called up for Italy’s preliminary squad for this summer’s European Championship, has scored five goals in 37 matches for his country’s senior team. In addition, Cantore has represented Italy in youth categories. During his professional career, Cantore has developed his career in Italy, including several loan periods while under contract with Juventus. In the last season, he scored 11 goals for Juventus, ranking second on the team and tied for fifth in Serie A, in a season where the team won the league and the cup. Furthermore, Cantore contributed two of Juventus’ four goals in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The arrival of Cantore comes at a time of transition for the Washington Spirit, a team that finished as runner-up in the regular season and in the 2024 playoffs.

Coach Jonatan Giráldez will leave his position in the coming weeks to manage Olympique Lyonnais. Adrián González, who was interim coach and then assistant, will take over as head coach with a multi-year contract. Currently, the Spirit is in fourth place in the NWSL, with a pending match before the summer break. The team also faces a series of injuries, including the absence of American forward Trinity Rodman, who is recovering from a back injury. Rodman is expected to return to training with the Spirit in July. Cantore is expected to strengthen the Spirit’s attack.

“Sofia is an important signing for the Spirit, as we continue to build our squad to compete for titles. Her extensive experience in the Italian leagues and her exceptional talent in attack will add a new dimension to the team,” said González.

Adrián González

The last time an Italian player competed in a professional women’s league in the United States was in 2010, when Patrizia Panico played for Sky Blue FC in the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer.