Ludmila swaps Atlético de Madrid for the Chicago Red Stars and becomes one of the highest paid in the NWSL
The Chicago Red Stars have just caused a real earthquake in the women's soccer transfer market. The team announced the signing of Brazilian striker Ludmila, who arrives from Atlético Madrid on a two-year contract valid until 2026. Ludmila, who is currently focused on the Paris Olympics, will join the Red Stars as soon as she obtains her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate. The Brazilian will take up one of the places in the club's international squad and already promises to shake up the NWSL with her talent.
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“I've had the pleasure of watching Ludmila's games for years. There is a clear level of talent that has helped Ludmila find success on the pitch, individually as a top scorer and as part of Atlético with its championships. I'm looking forward to seeing Ludmila come in and contribute to the Red Stars as we enter the second half of the season and push for the playoffs,” said Richard Feuz, general manager of the Chicago Red Stars, clearly excited about the new acquisition.
Ludmila, for her part, didn't hide her excitement at wearing the Red Stars jersey. “I can't wait to put on the shirt and play in front of our fans. I want my soccer and my goals to make them very happy when they come out onto the pitch. I'm going with the goal of being champion from the first season, I want to keep winning in Chicago. SAMBA!” said the striker.
Ludmila's arrival at the Red Stars was not an easy task. The Brazilian had several offers from clubs in England, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and even other teams in the United States. However, she decided on the Chicago Red Stars, where she will be one of the highest paid players in the NWSL. This contract places Ludmila among the stars of world women's soccer, reinforcing the Red Stars' position as one of the most ambitious clubs in the league.
Ludmila had a memorable spell with Atlético Madrid. In seven seasons, the striker made 159 appearances, played over 11,000 minutes and scored 63 goals. She also played a key role in winning the Liga F, as the Spanish league is called, in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, beating giants such as Barcelona. She also won the Women's Super Cup in 2020/2021 and the Copa de la Reina in 2022/2023, cementing her status as a star in Spanish soccer.
Internationally, Ludmila is a constant presence in the Brazilian national team, with 50 appearances and participation in major tournaments such as the 2019 Women's World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her experience and talent will be a great asset to the Red Stars, especially as the team struggles to climb the NWSL table. The striker, whose speed is one of her characteristics, performed well in Brazil's two games at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, contributing a lot to Brazilian coach Arthur Elias' scheme.
The Chicago Red Stars currently occupy seventh place in the table with 23 points, five above Bay FC, the last team in the playoffs. The addition of Ludmila promises to bring a new dynamic to the team's attack, which is looking to consolidate itself among the best teams in the league. In addition, her presence will certainly attract more fans and attention to the club.
Ludmila's debut won't take place until August 1, when the second NWSL transfer window opens. In the meantime, Red Stars fans are eagerly awaiting the Brazilian's arrival, hoping that she will bring not only goals and victories, but also the vibrant spirit of Brazilian samba to American pitches.