Also in today’s Roundup, Olympique Lyon, Arsenal, and Reading announce signings, while Fabiana leaves Barcelona
German defender Josephine Henning announced today via her Instagram account that she will be ending her professional soccer career. After making her senior debut for Germany in 2010, Henning was part of the squads that won the 2013 EUROs and 2016 Olympics. She also represented her country at the 2015 Women’s World Cup and 2017 EUROs.
On the club level, Henning won the Frauen-Bundesliga twice each with both Turbine Potsdam and Wolfsburg. She also boasts four Champions League trophies with Turbine Potsdam, Wolfsburg (two), and Lyon, as well as a runners-up medal with Paris Saint-Germain. She won a domestic treble with Wolfsburg in 2013 and Lyon in 2017. She was most recently with Arsenal for her second stint with the club, alongside Heather O’Reilly. Her first spell at Arsenal included the FA Women’s Cup in 2016.
Lyon add two
Lyon celebrate their Champions League victory (photo by Daniela Porceli)
Reigning Champions League victors Olympique Lyon announced two signings today to boast their 2018-2019 campaign. German internationals Lisa Weiß and Carolin Simon have each signed with the team through 2020. Weiß, a goalkeeper, won the 2009 EUROs with Germany but did not get capped for the team until 2010. She has been with SGS Essen since 2007. Simon, a defender, has risen through the ranks of the German youth national teams, beginning with the U15 team, and made her senior debut in 2016. She was most recently with SC Freiburg.
The two signings are part of Lyon’s campaign to fill the voids left with the departures of Jessica Houara d’Hommeaux, Kheira Hamraoui, Kenza Dali, Claire Lavogez, Morgan Brian, Pauline Peyraud Magnin, and Mylaine Tarrieu, as well as the retirements of Camille Abily, Corine Petit, and Elodie Thomis.
Arsenal signs Walti
It's time to tell you something???
I'm very excited to announce that I'll be playing for @ArsenalWFC the upcoming seasons. I can't believe it yet, but I'm very thankful for this amazing opportunity! ⚽️? pic.twitter.com/a17FSFpuJY
— Lia Wälti (@liawaelti) July 2, 2018
Arsenal announced today the signing of Lia Walti from Turbine Potsdam. Walti, a central midfielder, has played for Switzerland since 2011, joining the teams for the 2015 Women’s World Cup and 2017 EUROs, both the first appearances in the respective competitions for the Swiss Women’s National Team. With Turbine Potsdam, she made nearly 100 appearances and captained the side. Walti has also Champions League experience with Young Boys Frauen.
Fabiana departs Barcelona
Brazilian defender Fabiana follows Laura Ràfols, Ruth García, Olga García, Line Røddik Hansen, Andrea Gimenez and Perle Morroni in leaving @FCBfemeni #UWCL https://t.co/ffIhg6gJq6
— #UWCL (@UWCL) July 2, 2018
Brazilian winger Fabiana is the latest in a series of players to announce their departure from FC Barcelona Femení, one of the most successful women’s clubs in Spain. The club most recently made it to the quarterfinals of the the 2017-2018 Champions League, eliminated by eventual champions Lyon, and was the runner-up in the 2017-2018 Primera División. Although the club made waves in 2017 by signing players like Lieke Martens, Toni Duggan, and Élise Bussaglia, they have struggled to maintain their roster during this offseason.
Fabiana has not announced her next move. A veteran of the Boston Breakers of the WPS era, she boasts a solid resume that includes over a decade of experience with the Brazilian National Team and a silver medal in the 2008 Olympics.
Laws joins Reading
Goalkeeper Rachael Laws is joined Reading FC Women from Sunderland AFC Ladies, which plays in a lower tier of English professional soccer. Laws will replace Mary Earps, who has joined Wolfsburg. Laws has appeared with England’s U23 side.
