From the NWSL to the WSL: Stars Who Made Their Mark on Both Sides of the Atlantic
The connection between the NWSL and WSL runs deep. Over the years, some of the biggest names in women’s football have honed their craft in the United States before bringing their talents to England. These players have left their mark on both leagues, proving that elite talent thrives on both sides of the Atlantic.
Here are five stars who learned their trade stateside before becoming WSL icons.
1. Sam Kerr – One of The NWSL’s Greatest Goalscorers Turned Chelsea Legend
Before lighting up the WSL, Sam Kerr made history in the NWSL, playing for Western New York Flash, Sky Blue FC, and Chicago Red Stars. She won the Golden Boot three times and remains one of the league’s all-time top scorers and all-time leaders in combined goals and assists.
Since joining Chelsea, Kerr has continued to dominate:
🏆 5x WSL Champion
🏆 3x FA Cup Winner
🏆 2x League Cup Winner
🏆 UWCL Runner-up
Her relentless goal-scoring and big-game mentality have cemented her status as one of the greatest strikers across both the NWSL and the WSL.
2. Phallon Tullis-Joyce – From OL Reign to Manchester United’s No.1
After a stellar 2022 season with OL Reign (now Seattle Reign FC), where she played over 30 games and earned a nomination for NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, Phallon Tullis-Joyce made the move to Manchester United in 2023 for a record £100,000 transfer fee.
She spent the 23/24 season as understudy to Mary Earps before stepping into the first-choice role. Now, in the 24/25 season, she has been a rock between the sticks, helping United climb to second in the table while battling for the Golden Glove with 9 clean sheets in 14 games.
3. Caitlin Foord – The Aussie Winger Shining in North London
Before Arsenal, Caitlin Foord sharpened her skills in the NWSL with Sky Blue FC and Portland Thorns. In 2020, she made the switch to the WSL and has since become a crucial part of the Gunners’ attack.
Her impact at Arsenal speaks for itself:
🏆 2x League Cup Winner
⚽ 26+ goals and 20+ assists for Arsenal
Foord's ability to both score and create goals makes her one of the WSL’s most dangerous wide players.
4. Emily Fox – A Rising Star on an Upward Trajectory
Emily Fox made her mark in the NWSL with Racing Louisville and North Carolina Courage, where she was nominated for Rookie of the Year in her first season. In 2023, she played a key role in NC Courage’s NWSL Championship win before Arsenal came calling in January 2024.
Since arriving in North London, she’s continued her meteoric rise, winning Olympic gold with the USWNT and becoming a consistent starter for Arsenal, featuring in all 14 WSL games this season.
5. Rachel Daly – A Natural Born Goalscorer
Rachel Daly spent six seasons with the Houston Dash, making 101 appearances and scoring 37 goals. She became Houston’s all-time leading scorer and captained them to their first and only NWSL Challenge Cup victory in 2020.
In 2022, Daly made history twice:
🏆 Won the Euros with England
⚽ Signed for Aston Villa and won the WSL Golden Boot in her debut season (22 goals in 22 games), equalling Vivianne Miedema’s record.
Now with 35+ goals for Villa, Daly has solidified her place as one of the league’s most lethal forwards.
Who will be the next NWSL export to take the WSL by storm? Keep an eye on Foudys as we continue to bring you the best of women’s football from both sides of the Atlantic.
