Kenza Dali is opening up about a challenging year in her career, reflecting on her move to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), her exclusion from France’s Euro 2025 squad, and a deeply personal loss that affected her performance at the Olympics. The 33-year-old midfielder, who has 76 caps for France, has found renewed motivation and joy in football since joining San Diego Wave FC earlier this year.
Dali explains why she decided to leave Aston Villa and take a chance in the United States. “When I signed for San Diego, a lot of people thought I was crazy. They said the team had a terrible season and the environment wasn’t great. But I wanted to see for myself. The work behind the scenes has been incredible, the recruitment excellent, and the appointment of Jonas Eidevall as head coach was a huge positive. Jonas is very tactical and hardworking, and he has built a strong identity for the team in a short time. My relationship with him is great, and I’m really enjoying every minute,” she says.
Despite being a key player helping San Diego rise to second place this season, Dali remains disappointed at being left out of the French Euro squad alongside veterans Wendie Renard and Eugénie Le Sommer. She hints at misunderstandings and misinformation around her omission but prefers to wait until after the tournament to tell her side of the story out of respect for her teammates. “There are a lot of lies being told, and it’s difficult to accept. But I want the team to focus without distractions. I will share my side after the Euros,” she says.
Her time in California contrasts with the struggles she faced last summer at the Tokyo Olympics, where she competed while grieving a close family loss. “I lost someone very close to me just two weeks before the Games. It was really difficult because this person had always been at my national team games. I didn’t want to play, but my teammates convinced me to stay, and the coach at the time was very supportive. The Olympics were tough, emotionally,” Dali reveals.
After the Olympics, Dali returned to club football with Aston Villa, hoping to rebuild her career in England. However, she soon realized the new manager didn’t want her in the squad, an unexpected shock after she had looked forward to her return. “I didn’t know the reason, but it was made clear I wasn’t wanted. When the manager changed again, I still didn’t feel like a priority. My contract ran until June, but I felt Villa wasn’t the right place for me anymore.”
San Diego offered a fresh start, and Dali was drawn by the opportunity to play in a team where she felt truly valued. “Jonas Eidevall explained his game plan and where I fit in his system. He convinced me to come. I had other offers, but I chose San Diego. I’m glad I did because I’m enjoying my football again,” she says.
Dali also praises the competitive nature of the NWSL. “Every team here is playing for a title. In England, you often start the league aiming to finish in the top five, and the top four rarely change. In the U.S., the salary cap and structure make every team competitive. I love English football – it’s the home of the game – so leaving was tough, but this is a great challenge.”
Her playing style and philosophy remain clear: “When I start a competition, I want to win as many games as possible. I’d rather lose 5–0 knowing we tried than park the bus and concede three. That’s not my vision of football.”
San Diego’s first goal was to qualify for the playoffs, but with a squad featuring over 11 new players, the team is exceeding expectations. “We want so much more. Step by step, we’re building something special. I believe we have the team to compete for something big,” Dali says, optimistic about the future both for her and her club.
