Bright Retires + Yohannes Wonder Goal + UWCL Round-up

October 20, 2025

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY

Twentytwo is the weekly newsletter for dedicated-ish fans of women’s football. A five-minute read, rounding up news, fixtures, transfers, culture, grassroots events and more.

This week: It’s a week of threes - Three retirements, three ACL injurys and three English teams bagging three wins in the Champions League. Plus Solers United short film hits Channel 4, Rains x Umbro kit drop, and some tasty up-coming events for your diary.

📢 PLAYER NEWS

End of an Era: Three Legends Retire

This week marks the end of international careers for three giants of women’s football.

Millie Bright steps away from international football after 88 caps across nine years. She was integral to England’s historic UEFA Euro 2022 win and captained the Lionesses to the 2023 World Cup final. Bright also represented Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Bright’s leadership and grit were a defining feature of her role in the Lionesses squad. She’ll continue her domestic career with Chelsea.

Jess Fishlock, Wales’ most capped player and all-time top scorer, will play her final match on October 22 against Australia. The 38-year-old earned 165 caps over almost two decades and scored 48 goals, breaking records across men’s and women’s Welsh football. Fishlock captained Wales at their first major tournament, Euro 2025, where she scored their opening goal on the big stage.​ It’s an understatement to say she is an icon in Welsh football. Speaking to Sky Sports Fishlock said, “The Euros was the pinnacle of my football career, seeing the dragon on the world stage for the first time will be a memory that will stay with me for a lifetime.”

And finally, Christen Press announced she will retire after the 2025 NWSL season, ending a USWNT career with 155 caps and 64 goals. A two-time World Cup winner and Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist, Press won multiple SheBelieves Cups and Concacaf titles. She played for clubs in the US, Sweden, England, and finished at Angel City FC, scoring 49 goals in 122 NWSL matches. Here she is running onto the pitch in LA for the last time (it gets emotional).

⚽ PICKS FROM THE PITCH

Champions League edition:

  1. Alexia Putellas – Put aside the poor defending, this top bins finish was spectacular.

  2. Fridolina Rolfö – The perfect volley, rockets into the roof of the net.

  3. Alyssa Thompson – Running in on the back post for her first UWCL goal.

  4. Jule Brand – Finishes off this outstanding buildup play for her first goal in OL colours.

  5. Dominique Janssen’s sending off – VAR intervened, upgrading her yellow to a straight red card.

🎥 Watch this if you only click one thing: Lily Yohannes chipped the keeper from the halfway line. Yes, you read that right. Watch immediately.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND-UP

English clubs had a strong week in the Champions League. Arsenal secured a 2-0 away win against Benfica with goals from Beth Mead and Alessia Russo, keeping their title defence on track (highlights). Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 home victory over Paris FC, showing impressive attacking firepower (highlights). Manchester United held on with 10 players to claim a narrow 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid, maintaining their perfect start to the competition (highlights).

Elsewhere, Barcelona continued their dominant form with a 4-0 win over Roma, and Lyon cruised to a 3-0 victory against St. Pölten.

🚨ICYMI

Top Headlines

Growth & Money Moves

💷 The WSL is exploring major investment options with Goldman Sachs to fast-track growth. Plans include borrowing tens of millions to boost central payments, prize money, and club facilities.

🍎 The WSL has announced a new tech deal with Apple, supplying every club with the latest devices to improve coaching, analysis, and matchday tech.

🇺🇸 NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman has signed a contract extension through 2028. Her leadership has driven record commercial deals and growth, with the league backing her to steer through upcoming challenges.

Domestic & International Competition

🦁 Sarina Weigman has named her first senior squad since winning Euro 2025, ahead of October friendlies against Brazil and Australia. Midfielder Lucia Kendall and defender Taylor Hinds got their first call-up. Injuries to Katie Reid and Grace Clinton resulted in Grace Fisk coming in as a late replacement. It’s good to see new talent coming through, especially with the ongoing challenge of defensive succession planning. The upcoming matches will test how well England can maintain momentum amid personnelle changes in key positions as they prepare for World Cup qualification.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England U19s squad has been announced for the first round of Euro qualifying. They face Estonia, Greece and Austria later this month. The squad features rising stars including captain Abi Norgrove, keeper Jemima Spence, and dynamic all-rounder Davina Perrin.

🏆 The UEFA Women’s Europa Cup round of 16 knockout draw is set. There are some intriguing ties including, Häcken vs Inter and Ajax vs Hammarby.

📺 The U17 Women’s World Cup has kicked off in Morocco and if you fancy tuning in FIFA has made matches easy to stream live worldwide. Here’s how to watch.

🇪🇸 Jenni Hermoso is back. Coach Sonia Bermúdez has recalled Spain’s all-time leading scorer as they prepare to face Sweden in the Nations League Semi-Final. Hermoso has been absent from the squad after the previous coach, Tomé, left her out citing “technical reasons”. There was also that small matter of hte Rubiales scandal. We’re just glad to see her back in the mix!

Club, Culture & Community

🏟️ Earlier this year, England was confirmed as the sole bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup. Now Birmingham and Belfast councils have announced their intention to get in on the action and host matches, with Villa Park and Windsor Park in the frame.

💐 Hundreds gathered in Liverpool for the funeral of Matt Beard on Friday. The fans, players, and staff paid a heartfelt tribute to the former WSL-winning manager, who is remembered as a warm, caring manager who inspired many on and off the pitch.

🌏 Maika Hamano has been named Asia’s International Women’s Player of the Year, recognised for an outstanding season with Chelsea and Japan.

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

→ Chelsea and England’s Aggie Beever-Jones on her role models, winning the Euros and life outside of football – via Stylist

→ Original Lionesses reflect on progress women’s football has made – via Independent

👀 FAVE FINDS

It’s become a running joke that Maya Le Tissier can boss it at centre back for United every week, yet Sarina Wiegman still insists on playing her at right back for England. With retirements and injuries piling up in that spot, the Man Utd admin decided to drop a cheeky reminder of MLT’s credentials. Funny, but it did feel a bit like your mum emailing your boss about that promotion you didn’t get.

Who doesn’t love a tournament Mascot? Well, FIFA has unveiled the mascot for the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Drumroll… Rqeeqa the fennec fox is here to “embody agility and spirit,” (lol) but mostly she’s just very cute. More mascots, please.
→ See Rqeeqa in action

Alex Morgan and Mia Hamm are set to captain rival teams in LA for The Goal Cup, a new charity match blending nostalgia, football legends and a good cause. We’re fans of these new formats - they’re keeping things fresh, and let’s be honest, who thought they’d ever get to see Mia Hamm play again? Kicks off on 17 Jan 2026 for anyone fancying a trip to LA.
→ Learn more about The Goal Cup

Solers United lands on Channel 4. This short film about a women’s five-a-side team, Solers United nails the chaos, camaraderie and comedy of grassroots football. If you’ve ever played in a women’s team, endured unrequited teammate crushes, or joined a team chat that spiralled into chaos, this one will hit home. We’re already manifesting a full-length movie.
→ Watch Solers United on Channel 4

👟 KIT DROP

The Rains x Umbro collection is one of our favourite football-meets-streetwear collabs. It’s old-school Umbro details with Rains' signature minimalist edge, all in clean cuts and muted tones. Our top picks? The drill-top, perfect for training or pub, and for those managers braving matchday weather, the puffer jacket is the perfect upgrade on any old sideline duvet you’re still holding on to.
Shop the collection

Manchester City have unveiled a futuristic fourth kit for the 2025/26 season, created in partnership with Puma and EA Sports FC. The kit features a tech-inspired green design with NFC chips that unlock exclusive digital content. It’s an interesting attempt to bridge football culture and gaming innovation – more interesting to see how fans will respond. Available now.

🩼 ACL + INJURY UPDATES

ACLs are back in the spotlight after three confirmed cases this week

Elsewhere: Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit) suffered a major MCL scare. It’s turned out to be a grade one MCL sprain, with an uncertain recovery timeline. It may mean she withdraws from USWNT camp, although not yet confirmed.

🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA

Upcoming Events

Free Lionesses and the FSA present: #PartOfThePyramid
Saturday 25 Oct 2025, 12:00-16:30, Freight Island, Manchester, M1 2PZ
Celebrate being part of the football pyramid ahead of England’s game against Brazil. There are loads of activities planned for all ages. Optional dress code: come in your grassroots shirt, referee shirt, or club shirt.
Free entry – tickets here

Baller FC screenings: England vs Brazil
Saturday 25 October, from 17:00, Signature Brew Blackhorse Road, E17 5QJ
Match followed by karaoke + Soccermom DJs ‘til late.
Free entry – tickets here

London Football Book Market
Brixton Library, Saturday 15 November, 12:00-17:00
A showcase of independent authors, magazines, publishers, illustrators, photographers and other creatives selling their football-related wares.
Free entry – tickets here

England U23s close out the year with two home fixtures:

England U23 v Norway U23
Thursday 27 November, 7pm, Joie Stadium, Manchester City
Tickets available from 22 October

England U23 v USA U23
Monday 1 December, 7pm, Wham Stadium, Accrington Stanley
Tickets available

Is there a women’s football event happening near you? Give us a heads-up

📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST

What We’re Watching

Your what-not-to-miss viewing guide (BST)

Women’s International Friendlies
Saturday 25 October

  • England vs Brazil (17:30, ITV4, ITVX)

Tuesday 28 October

  • England vs Australia (19:00, ITV4, ITVX)

📂 JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

More Women Working in Football

  • Women's Female Athlete Health Delivery Lead (FTC) | The Football Association | Apply by 27 Oct

  • Manager, Brand Protection | Liverpool FC | Apply by 27 Oct

  • Performance Data Visualisation Specialist | Newcastle United FC | Apply by 29 Oct

  • Finance Officer | City Group (Manchester) | Apply by 31 Oct

  • Data Scientist Consultant | Arsenal Women FC | Apply now

See you next week!

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