Happy Holidays! Welcome to this week’s action-packed edition of Goalside Gossip! ⚽️ The UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) delivered drama as Barcelona triumphed 3-0 over Manchester City, while Arsenal edged Bayern Munich 3-2 in a thrilling showdown. In transfer news, Lynn Williams heads to Seattle Reign in a blockbuster move, while Trinity Rodman opens up about her emotional past on the Call Her Daddy podcast.

Meanwhile, U.S. soccer legend Becky Sauerbrunn announces her retirement after 16 illustrious years, FIFA partners with Netflix for exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for the Women’s World Cup, and there’s a new tournament coming to Europe. Buckle up for a whirlwind roundup of all things women’s soccer! 🌟

What's in store this week:

• 🌍 UWCL: Barcelona vs Man City (3-0)

• 🌍 UWCL: Arsenal vs Bayern Munich (3-2)

• 🔜 NWSL: Lynn Williams to Seattle Reign

• 🎤 News: Trinity Rodman on Call Her Daddy

• 👋 News: Becky Sauerbrunn Retires After 16-Year Career

• 📺 News: FIFA & Netflix Sign Historic Deal

• 🏅 Int’l: First UEFA Women’s Europa Cup

Barcelona vs
Man City (3-0)

Barcelona secured a 3-0 win over Man City, topping UWCL Group D with a dominant performance at the Olympic Stadium. Claudia Pina opened the scoring just before halftime, followed by Aitana Bonmati’s early second-half goal and Alexia Putellas’ long-range strike in the 69th minute. Despite a strong performance from City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, who kept Barcelona at bay for much of the game, City’s second loss in four days leaves them second in the group, with both teams finishing on 15 points but Barcelona ahead on goal difference (+23 to +5).

Arsenal vs
Bayern Munich (3-2)

Arsenal secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich at Meadow Park, topping UWCL Group C. The match was a rollercoaster, with an early own goal from Bayern captain Glodis Viggosdottir giving Arsenal the lead, but Magdalena Eriksson’s brace for Bayern leveled the score. The Gunners fought back, with Alessia Russo’s header and a late penalty from Mariona Caldentey sealing the win, ensuring they top the group and advance to the quarter-finals. Russo’s goal marked her 11th of the season, highlighting her strong form, while Arsenal's resilience in a tightly contested game further underscores their European pedigree.

Lynn Williams Heads West in
Blockbuster Trade to Seattle Reign

In a major offseason shakeup, Lynn Williams, the NWSL’s all-time leading scorer, has been traded from NJ/NY Gotham FC to Seattle Reign FC. The deal, officially announced Friday, also sends goalkeeper Cassie Miller to Seattle, while Gotham receives midfielder Jaelin Howell, a 2025 international roster spot, and $70K in allocation money. Williams, a Fresno native, reportedly requested the trade to finish her career closer to home, a decision that factored heavily into the move.

Despite her excitement to return to the West Coast, the trade came with frustrations for Williams, who revealed her disappointment at the news leaking before she could inform her teammates or loved ones. “I wasn’t able to tell some of my friends and family—everybody was getting to know at the same time, and that’s really disappointing to me,” she said. Known for her leadership and resilience, the 31-year-old had hoped to deliver the news herself, highlighting the emotional toll these abrupt transitions take on players.

The move is a game-changer for Seattle, which struggled last season with just six wins and a league-high 44 goals conceded. Williams’ goal-scoring prowess—80 goals across all competitions—will be a crucial boost for a team that managed only 27 goals last year. Her ability to create and finish chances makes her a perfect fit for the Reign’s struggling offense, setting the stage for a fresh start on both sides.

Trinity Rodman on
Call Her Daddy

USWNT star Trinity Rodman shared an emotional glimpse into her challenging past on the Call Her Daddy podcast, revealing how she, her brother, and her mother lived in a car during her childhood. The youngest player ever drafted into the NWSL at 18, Rodman explained how attending school in affluent Newport Beach while being unhoused shaped her perspective. “For me and DJ, it was never… embarrassing in the weirdest way,” she said.

Rodman also spoke about her strained relationship with her father, NBA legend Dennis Rodman. She described him as absent for much of her life, adding, “He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else.” In response, Dennis Rodman took to Instagram with a heartfelt yet defensive post, writing, “Sorry I wasn’t the Dad you wanted me to be, but either way I still tried and I still try and never will stop.” He also shared his frustration at being kept at a distance, saying, “I’m here and I’m still trying. Pick up the phone—you have my number.”

Dennis also revealed he once traveled to see Trinity play but was asked not to attend because of who he was with. “I watched you from my hotel balcony just to make everybody happy,” he wrote, leaving fans buzzing about the strained family dynamics. Despite the tension, Trinity has managed to rise above, cementing herself as one of soccer’s brightest stars.

You can watch the full Call Her Daddy interview here.

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Becky Sauerbrunn Retires
After 16-Year Career

Becky Sauerbrunn, a cornerstone of the USWNT’s defense and one of soccer’s most respected leaders, has announced her retirement at 39. Over a remarkable 16-year career, Sauerbrunn earned 219 caps, two World Cup titles, and an Olympic gold medal while winning three NWSL championships. Her thoughtful leadership and relentless defensive prowess earned her accolades like NWSL Defender of the Year four times, cementing her legacy as one of the game's most reliable players.

Sauerbrunn’s impact extended beyond the field. She played a pivotal role in achieving equal pay for the USWNT through the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, a milestone in sports history. Reflecting on her career, she wrote, “Nothing will compare to the last sixteen years… I’d run it back in a heartbeat.” A consistent force for the Portland Thorns and a leader who always put the team first, Sauerbrunn’s retirement marks the end of an era for the USWNT. Read Becky’s farewell post here.

FIFA & Netflix Sign Historic
Women’s World Cup Deal

FIFA and Netflix have announced a landmark partnership granting Netflix exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cups. This agreement marks the first time Netflix will fully acquire a live sports competition, underscoring its commitment to women’s football. Fans in the U.S. and Puerto Rico can enjoy live matches, dual-language telecasts, and immersive studio coverage, amplifying the tournament’s global appeal. The 2027 edition, set to take place in Brazil, promises to showcase the world’s top 32 teams, with the 2031 host nation yet to be decided.

Beyond broadcasting, Netflix will create exclusive documentaries spotlighting players’ journeys and the meteoric rise of women’s football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Netflix’s role in expanding the tournament’s reach, calling it a “landmark moment” for women’s sports.

UEFA Launches Women's
Europa Cup for 2025/26

Starting in the 2025/26 season, UEFA will introduce the Women’s Europa Cup, a new club competition designed to expand opportunities in European women’s football. The competition will follow a knockout format, with 13 teams qualifying directly through domestic league placements and additional teams entering via eliminations from the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL). The tournament aims to provide clubs that are eliminated early in the UWCL with a chance to continue their European journey.

The Women’s Europa Cup will feature six rounds, culminating in a two-legged final. Its introduction marks a significant step in UEFA’s efforts to grow women’s football, offering more teams a platform for continental competition. Winners will gain automatic qualification to the third qualifying round of the next UWCL, further elevating the importance of the tournament in the European women’s football landscape.