Ugandan international Shadia Nankya has made history by becoming the first Ugandan female footballer to play in the top tier of women’s football in the United States.
The Crested Cranes defender has signed a four-year contract with Washington Spirit, a club that has been a force in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) since 2012 and won its first title in 2021.
Nankya joins from Egyptian side Masar FC, where she played a key role in the team’s third-place finish at the CAF Women’s Champions League, earning a spot in the tournament’s Best XI.
She also helped the side win their second Egyptian Women’s Cup in 2024.
Her consistent performances at the continental level attracted interest from top clubs, leading to her move to the NWSL.
The former Uganda Martyrs Lubaga and UCU Lady Cardinals captain first made headlines in 2018 when she won the FUFA Women’s Cup top scorer award with nine goals despite being a defender.
She debuted for the Crested Cranes the same year, helping Uganda win bronze at the CECAFA and COSAFA Championships.
Although she missed the 2022 CECAFA Women’s Championship and WAFCON due to injury, Nankya bounced back, securing moves to Egypt and now the US.
At Washington Spirit, she will play alongside top talents like Trinity Rodman under the guidance of former Barcelona Women coach Jonatan Giraldez.
While several Ugandan female footballers, including Sandra Nabweteme and Tracy Jones Akiror, have played in the US at the collegiate level, Nankya becomes the first Ugandan female player to join a top tier side.
