4 NWSL players reaching Euro 2025 semis signify new era in women's game

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·22 July 2025

4 NWSL players reaching Euro 2025 semis signify new era in women's game

The European footballers playing their trade in the NWSL have proven crucial to their national teams’ success at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. With four stars reaching the semifinals, their impact is being felt both on American soil and on the biggest stage in Europe.

These players are not just thriving, they’re transforming the competitive landscape of the NWSL. What was once considered a curiosity is now a global destination for top-tier European talent. The league offers a unique blend of visibility, elite-level competition, lucrative contracts, and a rapidly evolving professional structure that appeals to some of Europe’s best.

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From exporter to destination

International broadcasts now reach a global audience, a feature highly valued by brands, sponsors, and player agents alike. NWSL clubs are increasingly offering contracts that rival or exceed those in Europe, bolstered by bonuses, housing, sponsorship deals, and immigration support. Take Esther González, for example: the Spanish striker signed a contract with Gotham FC worth close to €500,000 per year, making her the highest-paid Spanish player in the world outside Europe.

Beyond financial incentives, the NWSL provides a compelling athletic challenge. While European leagues like Spain’s Liga F emphasizes tactical precision, the NWSL offers a more physical, fast-paced, and open style of play. It’s a test that players like Sofia Cantore (Italy) and Delphine Cascarino (France) have embraced to push their limits and mature in a new footballing culture.

And it’s not just on the pitch. Life in cities like New York, San Diego, Seattle, or Austin offers players more privacy and freedom, often a welcome change from Europe’s intense media scrutiny and tight-knit football environments.

All of this signals a shift in global women’s soccer. The U.S. and Europe are now competing not only in tournaments like the World Cup or the Olympics but also in recruiting and retaining world-class talent. The growing European presence in the NWSL is undeniable: 18 European players took part in the Euros while playing in the American league, with four reaching the semifinals.

The four NWSL semifinalists

Esther González (Spain / Gotham FC)

Spain v Switzerland - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Quarter-Final | Alexander Hassenstein/GettyImages

June’s NWSL MVP and current top scorer in the league.
Leads the Euro 2025 Golden Boot race with 4 goals, scoring in every game for Spain except the quarterfinals vs. Switzerland.
Signed a landmark extension with Gotham FC, becoming the highest-paid Spanish player abroad.

Jess Carter (England / Gotham FC)

A defensive pillar for Gotham and trusted starter for Sarina Wiegman’s England.
Brings consistency, tactical discipline, and leadership to both club and country.

Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany / Gotham FC)

France v Germany - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Quarter-Final | Eddie Keogh/GettyImages

Gotham’s goalkeeper and hero of the quarterfinals, saving two penalties against France.
Pulled off what many are calling the save of the tournament, keeping Germany alive.

Sofia Cantore (Italy / Washington Spirit)

Made history as the first Italian player in the NWSL.
Played a pivotal role in Italy’s semifinal qualification, assisting Girelli twice in their 1–2 victory over Norway.

Stepping outside the traditional paths

These players have left their comfort zones, embraced a new culture, and elevated the game on both sides of the Atlantic. Their performances at Euro 2025 and week in, week out in the NWSL prove that the cross-continental bridge between Europe and the U.S. is stronger than ever.

As the semifinals approach, all eyes will be on these NWSL stars as they battle for a place in the final at St. Jakob-Park in Basel on July 27. Whether it's Gotham's trio of González, Carter, and Berger or Spirit's Sofia Cantore, they’ve already won something else: proof that the NWSL is a true home for elite global talent. This isn’t just a trend. It’s a turning point.