Brazilian star Lorena joins Kansas City Current and redefines NWSL expectations | OneFootball

Kansas City Current inched closer to solidifying its place among the best forces within women's soccer with the signing of the talented goalkeeper Lorena from Brazil's national team. Having signed until 2027, with an option to extend until 2028, this former Grêmio player comes with a great portfolio ready to impact the team's performance directly in the next season. Her arrival is an ambitious investment in the future of the team.

It's not every day that an NWSL club secures a player recognized all over the world for her technical quality. Only 26, Lorena has already proven she can have it all to be one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Her career is marked by regularity, leadership, and decisive performances-qualities that make her a key piece for Kansas City's team.

Head coach Vlatko Andonovski did not mince adjectives when it came to her introduction: "Lorena has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the highest levels." This reflects nothing but the confidence placed upon her and the expectation to become the cornerstone of the defense seeking greater stability en route to new heights.

International experience that makes the difference

Obviously, Lorena has talent, putting in mind the fact that she has represented Brazil's national team since 2021. It wasn't for her injury this summer at the 2023 FIFA World Cup that was in her way. But during the 2024 Olympic Games, Lorena was impeccable; she was the best player that featured for Brazil in that tournament. She played in six games, and so far, she has kept three clean sheets that have helped Brazil capture a silver medal.

This experience in high-level competitions is a factor of difference that few clubs can afford. Players of this profile elevate not only their performances in the field but also the performance level for their mates. Lorena brings experience to be in front of the best forwards in the world, coming out on top on several occasions.

The bond with Grêmio and her growth in Brazil

Lorena's trajectory started in her hometown of Ituverava and took shape in Grêmio's youth divisions, where her natural talent became technical excellence. Having passed through Sport Recife, she returned to Grêmio to shine in the main team and conquered important state titles like Campeonato Gaúcho in 2022 and 2024, firming herself as one of the best goalkeepers in the country.

A new chapter at Kansas City Current

With her arrival at Kansas City Current, Lorena comes into a team clearly serious about building a winning culture. General manager Caitlin Carducci emphasized how it was important for them to bolster their defense with such a stature: "We want to bring in top talent to create a continuous culture of competition, and we hope Lorena will be the anchor of our defense."

The expectations are high, but Lorena appears ready for the challenge. Her first words as a Current player clearly express her commitment: “I’m sure we’ll write a beautiful story with the Current fans.” In such a competitive league like the NWSL, where every detail matters, Lorena’s arrival is a clear sign that Kansas City Current is determined to compete at the highest level.

A long-term vision

The three-year contract, which is extendable until 2028, gives evidence of the club's solid and long-term project-not one easily seen within the market of constant change. Current is creating those grounds which will bring in not only immediate success but also lay the foundation for success in years to come.

Lorena, in turn, will have enough time to adapt to the style of play in the NWSL and leave her mark. This longevity in the contract also shows that the club believes in her potential, not just as a player but as a reference point for the growth of the team's brand and identity. She has great potential to evolve and become one of the best goalkeepers in the league and, possibly, in world soccer.

Future expectations

She is expected to not only justify her name but come out even stronger as one of the best goalkeepers in the NWSL, thus sealing a place for Kansas City Current as one of the strongest teams in the league.