Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Alyssa Thompson, the first high school player ever drafted into the American National Women's Soccer League, chose to join Chelsea in late 2025 to compete in the UEFA Women's Champions League, citing a desire to play at the highest level in Europe. Thompson pointed to the variety of playing styles across European leagues as a key opportunity to further develop her skills.
The arrival of players like Thompson reflects a broader trend: non-European talent is increasingly joining the Women's Champions League. This season, 52 players from outside Europe have had playing time, led by the United States with 13, Brazil with ten, and Canada with eight. This marks a 29% increase in international players over the last three seasons.
These international players have had a significant impact, scoring a combined 33 goals during the league phase. Notably, Canadian Roma striker Evelyne Viens was the top scorer in this phase, netting five of her team's nine Serie A goals.
This trend highlights the expanding global appeal of the UEFA Women's Champions League and aligns with UEFA's Unstoppable women's football strategy, aimed at increasing the competition’s reach and quality.