Sophia Wilson, the 25‑year‑old U.S. national team star, has announced she will return to the Portland Thorns for the 2026 season after exercising a $1 million option.
Return to Portland
The National Women’s Soccer League club announced Wednesday that Wilson has exercised the player option for an additional year. Sportico reported the option was worth $1 million.
Maternity Leave and Personal Life
Wilson did not play this season for the Thorns because she was on maternity leave for the birth of her daughter Gianna. Formerly Sophia Smith, she married Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson in January.
Statement from Wilson
\”Bringing this new version of myself back to Portland is so special to me because Portland is where I started my professional career and it’s where I’ve really grown up in a lot of ways,\” Wilson said in a statement released by the team. \”I’m excited for the city. I love living there. I love the people there. I’m excited to get back with everyone and play in Providence Park, to play in front of the Riveters. There’s no place like it.\”
Career Highlights
- Five seasons with the Thorns, 44 goals across all competitions
- NWSL Most Valuable Player in 2022 after helping Portland win the league championship
- Part of the 2021 NWSL Shield and 2021 Challenge Cup‑winning Thorns
- Golden Boot winner in 2023, leading the league with 11 goals
- Colorado native, No. 1 pick in the 2020 NWSL draft from Stanford
- Helped Stanford win the 2019 College Cup, scoring three goals in the semifinal over UCLA and earning College Cup MVP
General Manager’s Comment
\”She is an exceptional global star that can change the game in an instant,\” Thorns general manager Jeff Agoos said. \”Sophia will strengthen our roster’s attack as we build on the success we saw in 2025, and we are happy that she will represent and fight for this incredible soccer community next season.\”
International Accolades
- Member of the U.S. national team that won gold at the Paris Olympics
- Part of the 2023 Women’s World Cup squad
- 58 caps and 24 goals for the national team
- U.S. Soccer Women’s Player of the Year 2022 and Young Player of the Year 2017
- Fans dubbed the front line of Wilson, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson \”Triple Espresso\”
Key Takeaways
- Wilson will rejoin the Thorns for the 2026 season under a $1 million option
- She missed the 2025 season on maternity leave, giving birth to daughter Gianna
- Wilson brings a wealth of achievements: NWSL MVP, Golden Boot, Olympic gold, and a strong college pedigree
Wilson’s return is expected to add depth to the Thorns’ attack and reignite the passion of Portland fans who have long celebrated her contributions on and off the field.
Hi, I’m Cameron R. Hayes, the journalist, editor, and creator behind NewsOfFortWorth.com. I built this platform with a simple purpose — to deliver fast, clear, and trustworthy news that keeps Fort Worth informed and connected.
I’ve spent more than five years working in digital media, reporting on breaking news, local government, public safety, business growth, community events, and the real stories that shape life in Fort Worth. My goal has always been the same: to provide accurate, community-focused reporting that people can rely on every day.
