Washington Spirit Strengthens Roster with Historic Signing of Italian Forward Sofia Cantore
In a groundbreaking move for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the Washington Spirit announced on Tuesday the acquisition of Sofia Cantore, marking the league’s first-ever signing of an Italian player. The 25-year-old forward joins the team from Juventus, bringing a new international dimension to the club’s lineup and making history as the first Italian athlete to compete in the NWSL since its inception over a decade ago.
Record-Breaking Transfer and Contract Details
The Spirit secured Cantore through a transfer deal, with the player signing a contract that extends through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028. The club paid a transfer fee to acquire her services, reflecting her rising profile and significant contributions at the club and international levels. Although she will be eligible to make her debut starting July 1, the team will not resume play until their match against the Portland Thorns at Audi Field on August 3, following the league’s midseason break.
Impressive Achievements with Juventus and Italy
During her tenure at Juventus, Cantore played a pivotal role in securing the Serie A Femminile title for the 2024-25 season. Her offensive output was notable, with 11 goals and six assists across 25 league appearances, complemented by two goals in six UEFA Champions League matches. Her performance earned her a contract extension with Juventus through June 2028, underscoring her value and potential for future growth.
Internationally, Cantore has been a consistent presence for Italy since her debut in 2020. She participated in all three of Italy’s matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. Recently, she showcased her scoring ability during UEFA Nations League fixtures, netting a goal in Italy’s 4-1 victory over Wales on June 3, while operating as a right-sided attacker.
Impact on Washington’s Current Campaign
Joining a team currently ranked fourth among 14 teams in the NWSL standings, Cantore arrives at a crucial juncture for the Spirit. The team, with a record of 7 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, is preparing for their upcoming match against the San Diego Wave on Sunday, which will be the final game before the league’s midseason break. This fixture also marks the farewell of head coach Jonatan Giráldez, who is set to depart for Olympique Lyonnais in France. During his absence, assistant coach Adrián González, who stepped in for Giráldez during a recent 2-0 loss at Portland due to personal reasons, will assume head coaching responsibilities.
Challenges and Injuries Facing the Team
Despite boasting one of the league’s most potent offenses, the Spirit has faced significant hurdles with injuries to key players. Star attackers Trinity Rodman (back), Leicy Santos (knee), and Ouleymata Sarr (back) have been sidelined for most or all of 2025, impacting the team’s offensive consistency. Additionally, leading scorer Ashley Hatch, who has netted six goals this season, has missed the last two matches due to a back injury, further testing the team’s depth and resilience.
Looking Ahead
With the addition of Sofia Cantore, the Washington Spirit aims to bolster their attacking options and maintain their competitive edge as they push toward the postseason. Her international experience and proven goal-scoring ability could prove vital in overcoming current challenges and elevating the team’s performance in the second half of the season. As the league continues to grow and attract top talent from around the world, Cantore’s historic signing underscores the NWSL’s increasing global appeal and the league’s commitment to elevating the level of competition.
