Not long ago, women’s soccer was in the periphery of the sports world, a mere afterthought compared to the men’s game. At the inception of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for example, games were live-streamed on YouTube, home video style, with buffers and low-budget commentary.
In the early 2010s, it would be unfathomable to imagine that in 2024, women’s soccer would be a hot commodity. With the NWSL landing a massive broadcast deal and hitting over one million attendees this season, and the English Women’s Super League (WSL) recording a 50 per cent increase in year-over-year revenue, many would agree the future looks bright for the women’s game.
With the opportunities for women to play professionally as abundant as ever, it’s no surprise many of Canada’s top talents are thriving in leagues around the world. Ahead of the 2024-25 WSL season, which kicks off on Friday, we’re taking a look at the Canadians to watch in the English top flight.
Adriana Leon, Aston Villa
Adriana Leon’s resurgence in the WSL is one from the books. After being frozen out of Manchester United’s squad during the 2022-23 season, the winger penned a two-year deal with Aston Villa during the 2023 summer transfer window — a move that saved her domestic and international career.
Known for her speed and agility, the 31-year-old adds depth and experience to Villa’s frontline. Leon’s attacking mindset and powerful style earned her five goals last campaign (which she’ll look to improve on this season), alongside setting up other goal-scoring opportunities. The Mississauga, Ont.-native’s flare and ability to take on opponents one-on-one caught the eye of Canada coach Bev Priestman, who rewarded her with a regular position for Les Rouges at the Gold Cup in March. Leon’s finishing ability and determination earned her the tournament’s Golden Boot.
This season in the WSL, expect Leon to take on more of a leadership role, as her soccer career is in its prime.
Sabrina D’Angelo, Aston Villa
Goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo has guarded the sticks for a handful of international clubs, notably North Carolina Courage in the NWSL and Vittsjö GIK in the Damallsvenskan, but has most recently made England her home. The 31-year-old spent 18 months with Arsenal before signing with Villa in July. A move to Birmingham makes sense for D’Angelo, who wasn’t getting solid playing time in London. At Villa, the Welland, Ont., native should get the starting spot she deserves and needs to overtake Kailen Sheridan, Canada’s number one, in the next international window.
The experienced keeper boasts excellent reflexes and shot-stopping abilities (both long and close range), and isn’t afraid to punch the ball and come off her line. Despite only making 14 appearances for Arsenal, D’Angelo helped the Gunners win an FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup trophy. After being “second best” for years, it’s time for D’Angelo to step into the spotlight and use her commanding presence to make an impact for Villa.
Ashley Lawrence, Chelsea
If you had to describe Ashley Lawrence in one word, it would be exciting. The Toronto, Ont., native moved to Chelsea in July 2023 after six years with Paris Saint-Germain, and quickly made a name for herself under former manager Emma Hayes. Now, with new coach Sonia Bompastor at the helm, the defender’s next challenge will be gaining the trust of her new leader (which shouldn’t be hard to do). Last campaign, Lawrence was a regular selection in her first season with the Blues, starting 10 games with eight substitute appearances in Chelsea’s journey to yet another WSL title. Expect the same this time around.
The 29-year-old, often described as one of the best-attacking full-backs in the women’s game, is adaptable, technical and can play on both the left and right. Lawrence brings considerable experience with club and country to the pitch, while her maturity, pace and accurate decision-making earned her a 2024 nomination for the FIFA FIFPro World XI.
Kadeisha Buchanan, Chelsea
Kadeisha Buchanan’s individual and team accolades just keep piling up. The 28-year-old has won the Canadian Player of the Year three times, lifted the WSL trophy with Chelsea twice, was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, earned FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI honours and won the UEFA Women’s Champions League a whopping five times with Lyon. But after five-and-a-half years in France, the Toronto, Ont., native signed a three-year deal with Chelsea during the summer 2022 transfer window. Clearly, Buchanan’s winning ways have only continued in England, and this year she’ll hope to help lead the Blues to European glory.
Possibly one of the best centre-backs in the WSL, if not in Europe, Buchanan is strong, aggressive and can make perfectly timed tackles and runs. Standing at five-foot-seven, the defender has used her jumping ability to score goals with her head – in other words, she can do it all. Alongside skipper Millie Bright and fellow Canadian Lawrence on the backline, it’s safe to say opposing strikers have a tough time finding the net.
Deanne Rose, Leicester City
Deanne Rose has been through her fair share of soccer hardships. The forward got cut from Canada at the U-15 level and almost decided to quit. In her first game of the 2022-23 WSL season with Reading, she ruptured her Achilles, sidelining her for most of the season. And in June 2024, Reading folded after a failed takeover, leaving her clubless. Thankfully, the 25-year-old is back on her high horse internationally and domestically and is ready for a blockbuster WSL season with Leicester City.
The Alliston, Ont., native signed a two-year deal with the Foxes ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. In her first season at King Power Stadium, Rose used her pace and ball control to score three goals, including two in a historic Adobe Women’s FA Cup campaign. This time around, expect Rose to be a playmaker by finding pockets of space to create attacking opportunities. After putting in her dues and fighting back from disaster, the passionate winger has something to prove — she won’t back down from a challenge and is hungry to put Leicester on the map.
Olivia Smith, Liverpool
Without a doubt, Olivia Smith is a bright young talent for Canada and the WSL. The 20-year-old forward made headlines when she signed with Liverpool in July for a club-record transfer fee of £210,000 (much to her dad’s praise, as Liverpool is Smith’s father’s favourite club). Last year, the goal-scorer spent her first professional campaign with Sporting CP, where she netted 13 goals in 18 games and won the league’s Best Young Player award — something she’ll look to replicate at Liverpool.
The North York, Ont., native is versatile and specializes in creating opportunities from midfield or forward. Despite playing with and against athletes 10 years older than her, Smith is confident and doesn’t look out of place. From delivering world-class set pieces to her undeniable ability to always be in position, Smith is a player not to underestimate. While it’s unclear if she’ll be a starter or a trusty substitute for the Reds, one thing’s for certain — Smith has a bright future in English soccer.
Jayde Riviere, Manchester United
Jayde Riviere has had it rough when it comes to injuries. Over the last little while, the right-back suffered calf and ankle problems that kept her out of the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup and the Paris Olympics. The 23-year-old defender also had hip surgery in 2022, an elected move to resolve her pain ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. But now, as the 2024-25 WSL season approaches, Riviere is fit and ready to finally make this her “breakout” year.
The Markham, Ont., native signed her first professional contract with Manchester United in January 2023, keeping her at the club for two-and-a-half years. Manager Marc Skinner has been monitoring Riviere since her college days at the University of Michigan, admiring her dynamism and explosiveness up the right flank. Despite the defender’s aggression and fearlessness, she’s also poised and level-headed. Whether it’s an Olympic gold medal match or a league game against the bottom of the table, Riviere treats each outing with the same mentality. These characteristics earned her 19 appearances in all competitions last season, which she should equal or add to this time around.
Simi Awujo, Manchester United
At only 20 years old, Simi Awujo has made a name for herself. Internationally, the midfielder has already made 20 appearances for the Canadian senior national team, an impressive statistic considering her age, and won the 2022 Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year. Considering this, it’s no surprise that club managers from around the world took an interest in Awujo. But ultimately, she decided to sign a contract with Manchester United in August that will keep her with the club until the end of the 2026-27 season. It’s her first professional deal, and she even sacrificed her final year of eligibility at the University of Southern Carolina to turn pro.
On the pitch, Awujo is a physical player with solid dribbling ability. She can take on opponents one-on-one, effectively moving the ball up the pitch to create goal-scoring opportunities. But while she shines as an attacking midfielder, Awujo is known to help the backline and doesn’t shy away from a header. Awujo’s confidence and experience on the international stage should help her fit right in with the Red Devils, but being new to the WSL, she may take a few games to get settled.
Shelina Zadorsky, West Ham United
Shelina Zadorsky is without a doubt the most experienced veteran on this list. In August, she re-joined West Ham United on a one-year deal after her contract with Tottenham Hotspur expired. Having spent January to June on loan with the Hammers at the end of the 2023-24 season, the defender will be excited to continue her time in East London – this time as vice-captain. Zadorsky will also be reunited with former Spurs manager Rehanne Skinner, who admires the 31-year-old’s leadership, passion and drive.
While Zadorsky is in the twilight of her career, she’s showing no signs of slowing down. The London, Ont., native, who’s been capped over 100 times for Canada, is known for her bubbly personality and desire to win. She’s versatile along the backline, while her technique on the ball and ability to make progressive passes are her strengths. This season, expect Zadorsky to get regular playing time and continue to be an energizing yet stabilizing presence for the Irons.