San Diego Wave has completed the signing of France midfielder Kenza Dali from Aston Villa.
Dali, 33, has joined the club on a two-year deal through to 2027 and will occupy an international slot on the Wave’s roster in 2025.
Her Villa contract had been set to expire in 2025 but contained the option of a further year, and Wave has paid an undisclosed fee for her acquisition.
“From the moment I started speaking with the Wave, the ambition was clear, and I am fully committed to continuing to build something special here in San Diego alongside this team,” Dali said. “I’ve seen the incredible support this Club gets from its fans at Snapdragon Stadium, and it’s an honor to represent them both on and off the field.”
Dali moves to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) following five-and-a-half years in England across spells with West Ham United, Everton and Villa.
The France international joined Villa in 2022 and played an important role under former head coach Carla Ward as the club recorded its best Women’s Super League finish of fifth during her debut season. However, she has played more of a bit-part role this term following Ward’s summer departure.
The former Lyon midfielder has been capped 75 at international level and was part of the France squad at the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics, having overcome a career-threatening injury to return to the national team fold.
“Kenza is a proven leader and an exceptional talent with extensive experience at the highest levels of the game,” sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton added. “Her vision, creativity, and ability to command the midfield will be invaluable to our club.”
Wave finished 10th in the NWSL during the 2024 season.
Jonas Eidevall was appointed Wave head coach in January following Casey Stoney’s departure in June. The club’s president Jill Ellis, the former United States head coach, left her role in December to become chief football officer at FIFA.
The Athletic reported this week Wave has agreed terms with Chelsea for the record $1.1 million sale of defender Naomi Girma.
GO DEEPER
‘Bet on yourself’: France’s Dali on owing her life to football
(Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
