The past few weeks have been quite a shake-up for the Washington Spirit. After kicking off their 2025 NWSL season on a high note with a Challenge Cup win, the D.C. side has seen things take a downturn. In addition to slipping to fourth place in the standings with 22 points, they also lost head coach Jonatan Giraldez just a year after his arrival from FC Barcelona Femení, as he signed with OL Lyon. However, the Spirit knows how to bounce back from setbacks as their latest move sees them secure a historic signing from Europe.

The new protagonist goes by the name of Sofia Cantore. The 25-year-old forward arrives in the States from Juventus after having signed a three-year deal with the Spirit. The deal keeps the talented European star at Audi Field until 2027, with an option till 2028. Likewise, the NWSL side officially confirmed the signature on Tuesday as she will link up with her new teammates after July 1.

Notably, this transfer marks a milestone for the Spirit because Sofia became the first-ever Italian international to play in the NWSL and only the second to play professional soccer in the U.S. Well, it’s not only because of her ethnicity that this transfer stands out. As per the reports from JuventusNews24.com’s Mauro Munno, Washington has allegedly paid a whopping release clause of more than €300,000 ($350,000).

This reported fee exceeds the amount that German giants Bayern Munich have allegedly paid for bringing another Juventus talent, Arianna Caruso, in her loan deal with a buy clause during the winter transfer window earlier this year. But coming back, this is indeed quite a big signing for the Washington Spirit. One can say their efforts finally paid off, as they had been monitoring Sofia since May.

Incoming head coach Adrian Gonzalez, who got promoted in place of Jonatan Giraldez expressed his enthusiasm for Cantore. “Sofia is an important signing for this Spirit team as we continue to build up our roster to compete for trophies,” said the former assistant of Giraldez. “Her extensive experience in the Italian leagues and exceptional talent in the attacking third will help add a new layer for the Spirit moving forward.”

Sofia Cantore also expressed her thrill to have signed with the NWSL side, stating, “I’m very proud to join this important club and grateful for their trust in my abilities.” While expressing her excitement at beginning a new chapter of her career, that too, as the first Italian player in the NWSL, the 25-year-old can’t wait to start working with Gonzalez and Co.

“I’m thrilled to challenge myself in this great league! I’m looking forward to joining the team after the Euros and celebrating together with the fans. FORZA WASHINGTON SPIRIT!” concluded Cantore, passionately swapping out ‘Juve’ for the name of her new club. While the new signing surely seems optimistic, let’s know more about her and what she has to offer to the Spirit.

More about the latest addition from Washington Spirit

Born and brought up in Lecco, Italy, Sofia Cantore has spent over a decade in Italy. It all began for her with Fiammamonza in 2015 before moving to Juventus in 2017. Over the past eight seasons in Italy, five of them with Juventus and the rest on loan at Hellas Verona, Florentia, and Sassuolo. Yet, that didn’t see a decline in her delivery for either of the sides, having recorded over 40 goals and 20 assists across 120+ appearances.

During the 2024-25 UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign, Cantore found the net twice for Juventus. Meanwhile, on the international front, she has represented her beloved nation at the U-17 and U-19 levels before earning her senior team debut in December 2020. Since then, the lethal forward has earned 41 caps and scored five goals for the Azzurre.

We bet that hearing all of this makes every Washington Spirit fan wonder when exactly will she play. Well, they can catch a glimpse of her during an Open Training session at George Mason University on Saturday, July 19, where ardent supporters would be able to watch the squad prepare for the latter half of the season.

For the occasion, tickets are available, and the Spirit’s official website has more details on the same. As for her official debut, one can expect Sofia Cantore to make her debut after the 2025 Euros in August. The Spirit will be hosting the Portland Thorns on Sunday, August 3. In the meantime, fans can celebrate this latest arrival in town.