5 NWSL Stars to Watch This Season

The 2025 NWSL season kicks off Saturday morning (AEDT), and it should be super competitive. With stars like Marta, Trinity Rodman, and a bunch of Matildas playing, fans are in for a treat. Orlando Pride, the champs, will try to win again, and Optus Sport will show every game live in Australia. 5 NWSL Stars to Watch This Season.

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So, who should you keep an eye on? Here are five players to watch this season.

Marta (Orlando Pride)

• 2024 NWSL Stats: 26 games, 11 goals, 1 assist, 101 shot-creating actions
• Rankings: #1 in the league for shot-creating actions and xG, #4 for total goals and key passes, #8 in total crosses

At 39, Marta is still amazing. She plays as well as she did when she won FIFA’s Best Player award at 20. She really helped Orlando Pride have a record-breaking 2024, leading them to an NWSL Championship with the most wins (18) and points (60) ever in a season.

Marta’s ball control, speed, and smart plays cause defenders tons of trouble. Her solo goal against Kansas City Current last year showed why she’s a football icon. This might be her last season, but she’s still key for Orlando and the whole league. 5 NWSL Stars to Watch This Season.

Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)

• 2024 NWSL Stats: 26 matches, 8 goals, 6 assists
• Rankings: #2 in through balls, #3 in assists, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, and key passes, #4 in total shots and shots on target

Rodman is one of the most exciting young players in the NWSL. She’s known for her speed, skill, and how well she sees the field. Last season, she got even better playing for Jonatan Giraldez at Washington Spirit.

She can be a bit dramatic sometimes, but she’s great at getting past defenders and creating chances. At 22, she’s already important for the USWNT and will be a big part of Washington Spirit’s hopes of winning the title. She and Croix Bethune could be one of the best pairs in the league. 5 NWSL Stars to Watch This Season.

Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)

• 2024 NWSL Stats: 24 matches, 8 clean sheets, 18 goals conceded
• Rankings: #2 in save percentage (82.5%), #3 in clean sheets, #5 in progressive pass distance

Berger’s story is super inspiring. The German goalie has fought cancer twice, won an Olympic bronze medal, and won four WSL titles. Now at Gotham FC, she’s still one of the best at stopping shots in the league.

Since leaving Chelsea, she’s gotten even better. Her great saves and passing skills make her a game-changer. With Gotham FC losing some players before the season, she’ll be very important if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)

• 2024 NWSL Stats: 27 matches, 21 goals, 5 assists
• Rankings: #1 in goals, xG, total shots, and shots on target; #2 in shot-creating actions, carries into the penalty area, and successful take-ons

Since joining Kansas City on a free transfer, the Malawian striker has been amazing. She’s strong and fast, and she’s been the main reason for the Current’s strong offense.

With tons of fans and the support of part-owner Patrick Mahomes, people are excited about the team’s new stadium and Chawinga leading the attack. She won the Golden Boot last year, so expect her to cause defenders trouble again this year.

Cortnee Vine (North Carolina Courage)

• 2024 NWSL Stats: 5 matches (2 starts), 1 goal, 3 shot-creating actions, 7 take-ons, 8 progressive carries, 4 blocks, 8 tackles

After scoring the winning penalty in the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals, Vine took a break for her mental health. Now, she’s back in the NWSL and ready to make an impact with North Carolina Courage.

After playing well for Sydney FC, Vine joined the Courage with her partner, Charlotte McLean. She didn’t play much last season, she showed some promise. Now that Kerolin is gone, she has a chance to do well on the right wing.

People don’t always notice how hard she works on defense, but her speed and attacking style make her a great fit for the NWSL. With a full preseason behind her, Vine could become one of the league’s best players this year.