Rose Lavelle
January 2026
Lavelle won U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year for the first time after returning from ankle surgery and delivering major national team and club impact. She returned in late June, produced goals and assists in her starts for the USWNT, then drove Gotham’s late surge and scored the NWSL Championship winner against Washington Spirit, also taking Championship MVP.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United / USWNT)
November 2025
Phallon Tullis-Joyce has been diagnosed with a fractured eye socket after an accidental clash against Aston Villa, ruling her out of Manchester United’s historic win over Paris Saint-Germain and forcing a spell on the sidelines while specialists prioritise protection and rest over any quick return. Sensitivity around the injury meant she appeared in sunglasses while Safia Middleton-Patel impressed in goal, but coaches admit losing their new number one is a major setback. United hope she can return before the winter break if doctors clear full contact, while her USWNT momentum is also interrupted.
