In a major boost for the National Women's Soccer League, star forward Sophia Wilson has committed her future to the Portland Thorns, exercising a player option to return for the 2026 season.
A Triumphant Return After Maternity Leave
The 25-year-old US women's national team standout did not feature during the 2025 campaign, having taken maternity leave for the birth of her daughter, Gianna. Her last appearance for the Thorns came in 2024. The terms of her new deal were officially undisclosed, but reports from Sportico indicate the one-year extension is valued at $1 million.
Wilson, who married Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson in January and was formerly known as Sophia Smith, expressed her delight at returning to the club where she began her professional journey. "Bringing this new version of myself back to Portland is so special to me," Wilson said in a team statement. "Portland is where I started my professional career and it's where I've really grown up in a lot of ways."
A Proven Record of Success
Wilson's pedigree is unquestionable. In her five seasons with the Thorns, she has netted 44 goals across all competitions. Her accolades include:
- Being named the NWSL's Most Valuable Player in 2022, the same year she helped Portland secure the league championship.
- Winning the NWSL Shield and the Challenge Cup with the Thorns in 2021.
- Claiming the NWSL Golden Boot in 2023 as the league's top scorer with 11 goals.
A Colorado native, Wilson was the first overall pick in the 2020 NWSL draft after a stellar collegiate career at Stanford University, where she was instrumental in winning the 2019 College Cup and was named the tournament's MVP.
Strengthening the Thorns' Ambitions
Thorns general manager Jeff Agoos hailed the re-signing as a significant moment for the club's ambitions. "She is an exceptional global star that can change the game in an instant," Agoos stated. "Sophia will strengthen our roster's attack as we build on the success we saw in 2025."
On the international stage, Wilson's credentials are equally impressive. She was part of the USWNT squad that won gold at the Paris Olympics, forming part of the formidable 'Triple Espresso' frontline alongside Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson. With 58 caps and 24 goals for her country, Wilson was also named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2022.
Her return marks a pivotal moment for the Portland Thorns as they aim to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of the NWSL, reintegrating a world-class talent back into their ranks for the upcoming season.
