News Summary
Sofia Cantore, a forward for the Washington Spirit, has been named among the top 25 players in women’s soccer, finishing 24th in the Ballon d’Or Féminin voting. Since joining the Spirit from Juventus FC, she has made a remarkable impact, scoring goals in her first two matches. Her international contributions have also been significant, assisting Italy in the UEFA Women’s Championship. This honor underscores her performance and the growing prominence of the Washington Spirit in women’s soccer as they prepare for their next match.
Washington D.C. – Sofia Cantore, a forward for the Washington Spirit, has been recognized among the top 25 players in global women’s soccer, finishing 24th in the voting for the Ballon d’Or Féminin, which honors the best women’s soccer player each year. This recognition highlights Cantore’s significant impact in the sport during the 2025 season.
Cantore joined the Washington Spirit in June 2025 from Juventus FC, marking a historic moment as she became the first Italian player in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Since her arrival, she has made an impressive start, scoring a goal in each of her first two matches at Audi Field.
Over the past eight seasons, Cantore has played in more than 120 league matches, achieving over 40 goals and 20 assists. Her noteworthy performance has established her as a vital player in women’s soccer, both in the league and internationally. Cantore has consistently represented the Italy national team, nearing her 50th cap with five goals to her name for Le Azzurre.
International Performance
In her recent international duties, Cantore played a pivotal role in the 2025 UEFA Women’s Championship. Her contributions included two assists that helped Italy secure a victory in the quarterfinals, enabling Italy to advance to the semifinals for the first time in 28 years. This achievement has further solidified her reputation as a key player on the international stage.
Washington Spirit’s Recent Achievements
This recognition makes Cantore the third Ballon d’Or Féminin finalist from the Spirit in the past four seasons, following her teammates Trinity Rodman, who finished in the top-20 in 2022 and top-10 in 2024, respectively. Such consistent performance among players of the Spirit underscores the team’s growing prominence in women’s soccer.
The Washington Spirit prepares for their next match against the Houston Dash on Sunday, September 28, 2025. This matchup is particularly significant, as it provides the team an opportunity to secure a playoff berth. Fans are invited to participate in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage, and the match is set to kick off at 1 p.m. EDT. Tickets can be purchased through the Spirit’s official site.
About the Washington Spirit
Founded as a founding member of the NWSL, the Washington Spirit has established a foothold in women’s soccer, playing at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The club has gained recognition for its competitive spirit and the development of talented athletes who excel at both club and international levels.
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Additional Resources
- Washington Spirit: Throwback Day Announcement
- Wikipedia: Washington Spirit
- Washington Spirit: DC Cares Event
- Google Search: Washington Spirit
- Washington Spirit: Women’s Cancer Match
- Google Scholar: Women’s Soccer
- Washington Spirit: Annual Pride Match
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Soccer
- Washington Spirit: Know Before You Go vs Racing Louisville FC
- Google News: Washington Spirit 2025
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
