Happy New Year! 🎉 Welcome to this week’s jam-packed edition of Goalside Gossip! ⚽️

Even though there were no games this past week, the women’s soccer world has been anything but quiet—we’ve got all the juicy gossip to keep you in the loop! The USWNT wrapped up 2024 with a bang, and we’re breaking down their top 5 power moves of the year. Over in the WSL, Chelsea and Arsenal’s upcoming clash is drawing a massive crowd to Stamford Bridge, setting the stage for a thrilling January showdown.

Back in the NWSL, Jonas Eidevall is making waves (pun intended) as he takes the reins of San Diego Wave, and we’ve got the scoop on all the offseason transfers reshaping the league. Plus, could Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí really be heading stateside to Oregon? 👀 And of course, we’re celebrating the stars of the game with a rundown of the 2024 FIFA Football Awards winners.

Buckle up for another whirlwind of women’s soccer drama, deals, and dazzling headlines to kick off 2025! 🌟

What's in store this week:

• 🚀 USWNT's Top 5 Power Moves of 2024 

• 🇬🇧 WSL: Chelsea vs. Arsenal: WSL Clash Draws Big Crowd

• 🇺🇸 NWSL: Jonas Eidevall Set to Lead San Diego Wave on Three-Year Deal

• 📺 NWSL: 2024-25 NWSL Offseason Transfers (So Far)

• 🫢 News: Bonmati Headed to Oregon?

• 🏆 Awards: FIFA Football Awards 2024 Winners

USWNT's Top 5 Power Moves of 2024 🚀

5. Emma Hayes Takes the Reins
After a long wait, Emma Hayes finally swapped Chelsea blue for USWNT red, white, and blue. With just four games to prep before the Olympics, she worked her magic, syncing seamlessly with the team. Hayes now has her sights set on dominating the women’s soccer scene leading up to the 2027 World Cup. Game on!

4. Fresh Faces, Big Wins
Out with the old, in with the stars of tomorrow! Hayes made a bold call, picking young guns over veterans for the Olympics. Enter Jaedyn Shaw and a squad bursting with new talent, including eight players under 21 debuting in 2024—the most since 2002. This youth revolution is setting the stage for a brighter future.

3. Alyssa Naeher: The Hero's Farewell
Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher went out with a bang, pulling off jaw-dropping penalty shootout saves and scoring her own spotkick against Canada in the Gold Cup semifinals. The mic-drop moment of her career? Cementing her legacy as a USWNT legend in her final year.

2. Triple Espresso, Coming in Hot ☕
Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson proved they’re the ultimate caffeine boost for USWNT’s offense. This dynamic trio lit up the Olympics, scoring 10 of the team’s 12 goals and reminding everyone that U.S. soccer thrives on electrifying attacks.

1. Golden Glory in Paris 🥇
After heartbreak at the 2023 World Cup, the USWNT roared back to claim their fifth Olympic gold medal. It wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. With a roster filled with first-time champs, this win marked the dawn of a new era for the team.

2024 was a year of comebacks, bold moves, and unforgettable moments. USWNT, we salute you! 🙌

Chelsea vs. Arsenal: WSL Clash Draws Big Crowd

Ticket sales for Chelsea and Arsenal’s Barclays Women’s Super League showdown at Stamford Bridge on January 26, 2025, have already exceeded 20,000. This high-stakes match pits league-leaders Chelsea, who have dropped just one point all season, against an Arsenal team revitalized under interim coach Renée Slegers, currently on an 11-match unbeaten run.

Chelsea hold a seven-point lead over Arsenal, making this game crucial for both teams’ title aspirations. Arsenal’s slow start under former coach Jonas Eidevall has given way to newfound momentum, keeping their slim championship hopes alive. Kickoff is set for 12:30 PM, promising a thrilling contest in front of a packed crowd.

Jonas Eidevall Set to Lead San Diego Wave on Three-Year Deal

San Diego Wave is set to appoint former Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall on a three-year contract, according to sources. Eidevall, who left Arsenal in October 2024 after a rocky start to the season, will take the helm of an NWSL club undergoing significant changes.

The Wave, previously led by interim coaches Paul Buckle and Landon Donovan, has been searching for a permanent head coach since Casey Stoney’s mid-season departure. The Swedish coach chose the Wave over other offers, attracted by the vision of the club’s new ownership and the opportunity to rebuild a team with a strong fan base, consistently leading the league in attendance.

Eidevall's Arsenal tenure included back-to-back League Cup victories in 2023 and 2024 but fell short of league dominance, with Chelsea maintaining their grip on the Women’s Super League title. The Wave, meanwhile, endured a challenging 2024 season, finishing 10th in the standings and seeing club icon Alex Morgan retire.

With a record $120 million valuation under new ownership and the departure of key figures like former president Jill Ellis, the Wave is gearing up for a new era under Eidevall’s leadership. An official announcement of his appointment is expected soon.

Aitana Bonmati Reveals She Almost Left Barcelona to Play for the University of Oregon

Imagine a world where Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning Ballon d’Or and The Best winner, wore the green and yellow of the University of Oregon instead of Barça’s iconic blue and red. This nearly happened. Feeling invisible as a young player at La Masia, Bonmatí once contemplated leaving Spain entirely to pursue her football dreams in the United States, a country she saw as a beacon for women’s soccer. She and her parents even mapped out exams and a potential path to the University of Oregon. Yet, in a twist of fate, Barça’s growing commitment to women’s football convinced her to stay—a decision that would redefine her career and elevate her to superstardom.

Fast forward to today, and Bonmatí is not just a cornerstone of FC Barcelona but a global icon. Fresh off back-to-back wins of the Ballon d’Or and The Best, she continues to shatter ceilings as the highest-paid player in women’s football. As she extends her contract with Barça through 2028, Bonmatí is also expanding her personal brand internationally, starring in a documentary by Tom Brady’s production company alongside legends like Simone Biles and Serena Williams.

2024-25 NWSL Offseason
Transfers (So Far)

As the NWSL offseason heats up, teams are wheeling and dealing to position themselves for a big 2025 campaign. From blockbuster trades to international stars joining the league, the moves have been bold, strategic, and sometimes downright surprising. Here’s a rundown of all the major player transfers so far in December 2024, showcasing the chessboard of women’s soccer in action. Whether it’s a franchise player on the move, exciting newcomers signing contracts, or trades shaking up rosters, the league is buzzing with activity.

Let’s break down the key moves that have defined the month and reshaped the NWSL landscape! 👇

Best FIFA Football Awards 2024

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 celebrated the brightest stars in women’s soccer, highlighting remarkable achievements on and off the field. From individual brilliance to team contributions, these winners represent the pinnacle of the sport, showcasing dominance, resilience, and excellence across clubs and national teams. Here’s a quick look at the women who took center stage at this year’s ceremony.

• Aitana Bonmatí: Best FIFA Women’s Player; won the Champions League, Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and Spanish Women’s Super Cup with Barcelona.

• Emma Hayes: Best FIFA Women’s Coach for success with Chelsea and the U.S. Women’s National Team.

• Alyssa Naeher: Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper; standout performances for the Chicago Red Stars and the USWNT.

• Women’s World XI:

  • Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher (USA/Chicago Red Stars).

  • Defenders: Lucy Bronze (ENG/Barcelona & Chelsea), Naomi Girma (USA/San Diego Wave), Irene Paredes (ESP/Barcelona), Ona Batlle (ESP/Barcelona).

  • Midfielders: Gabi Portilho (BRA/Corinthians), Patricia Guijarro (ESP/Barcelona), Lindsey Horan (USA/OL), Aitana Bonmatí (ESP/Barcelona).

  • Forwards: Caroline Graham Hansen (NOR/Barcelona), Salma Paralluelo (ESP/Barcelona).

• Marta Award: Marta’s goal vs. Jamaica recognized as the FIFA Marta Award winner.

Happy New Year from Goalside Gossip! 🎉

As we wrap up 2024 and get ready to kick off 2025, we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you—our incredible readers—for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm and passion for women’s soccer have fueled an amazing year of growth for Goalside Gossip, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

We’re gearing up to make 2025 our best year yet, with exciting plans including exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and the launch of our brand-new internship program👀! Your continued support inspires us to keep expanding the game and sharing the stories that matter most.

Here’s to a year full of goals, triumphs, and milestones—both on and off the pitch. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable together as we look forward to being your #1 source for all things Goals, Gossip and Glory!

-The Goalside Gossip Team

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