From Women's Champions League winners to those who had fleeting spells, GOAL judges the U.S. stars who have played for France's top two clubs
While most members of the United States women's national team have long played club soccer at home, it has not been uncommon over the years to see some of them enjoy a European adventure. Many flocked to England's Women's Super League during the Covid-19 pandemic in particular, with the NWSL in the U.S. having a reduced season in 2020, but one of the most popular destinations over the 20 years has been France.
Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain, the nation's top two women's teams, have been home to no fewer than 14 USWNT stars. In recent times, rising stars such as Lindsey Heaps and Catarina Macario have signed for these French giants, establishing themselves across the pond while in the early stages of their USWNT careers. But it may surprise some to read that the biggest names in the history of U.S. women's soccer have also graced the Division 1 Feminine, from Alex Morgan to Megan Rapinoe.
So, who are the 14 Americans who have played for Lyon and PSG and how did each of them fare? GOAL takes a look back…
GettyHope Solo (Lyon)
When women's soccer was between professional leagues in the U.S. following the folding of the Women's United Soccer Association, a talented young goalkeeper by the name of Hope Solo saw it as an opportunity to venture to Europe.
In the midst of establishing herself as the USWNT's No.1 at this point, Solo first went to Sweden, which was then home to one of the world's best and most attractive leagues, before signing for Lyon in 2005.
It was well before the club had become the giant it is today, with a first league title not coming until two years later, but Solo loved that "soccer was everywhere" and later credited her time in Europe for helping her to find herself "as a person and player". As for the actual success of her time in France? The goalkeeper only played seven games in a fleeting spell, so it's hard to deem this one a hit.
Verdict? Miss.
AdvertisementGettyAly Wagner (Lyon)
Because of the struggles that the United States had in establishing a domestic women's league, Aly Wagner only played for three professional American soccer clubs during a largely successful career that was characterised by her performances for the USWNT.
However, the two-time Olympic gold medalist did get the chance to experience the game in Europe too, joining Lyon in 2005. Wagner's return of two goals in three league appearances makes for quite an impressive ratio, but her time with the club cannot be seen as a hit given how short it was.
Verdict? Miss.
GettyElla Masar (PSG)
Compared to the U.S. soccer stars who spend the majority of their careers at home, Ella Masar's playing days read like a student's gap-year itinerary. The now-assistant of the Chicago Red Stars spent time in Norway, France, Sweden and Germany as a player, as well as representing American and Canadian clubs.
It was back in the 2011-12 season that Masar played for PSG, which unfortunately was not a good year for the club. The Parisians finished fourth in the league, a spot they've never been as low as in the 12 years since, and were knocked out in the last 16 in the Champions League. Masar racked up significant minutes, though, and scored six league goals in 17 appearances, several of which were decisive in turning games around.
Verdict? Hit.
GettyAllie Long (PSG)
Alongside Masar in that 2011-12 season was another American in Allie Long. Again, it was not PSG's best season, but Long did her best to provide a spark. She netted four goals in 12 league games, just nine of those starts, and provided the capital club with some hope in the Champions League when her brace improved a 4-0 deficit against Frankfurt to 4-2, though that was the final aggregate score.
Like Masar, that would be Long's only season with the club and her only real experience outside of the U.S., with a spell at Chelsea a year later lasting just five days. However, she certainly showed her qualities in Europe, even if it was for a brief period of time.
Verdict? Hit.