Chelsea and United States women’s national team forward Catarina Macario said she feels Serena Williams’ new affiliation with her club perfectly encapsulates the upward trajectory of women’s football.

In May, 23-time Grand Slam singles winner Williams’ husband, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, announced he had purchased a reported 8-10% stake, worth around £20 million ($26.87m), in the six-time reigning Women’s Super League (WSL) champions.

The couple flew over for the FA Cup final four days later at Wembley — where Macario scored in the 3-0 victory over Manchester United — on a weekend Ohanian predicted his new investment could become a billion-dollar operation.

“This is a win for women’s football,” Macario, asked about Williams’ presence, told PA. “It’s a win for women’s sports.

“It doesn’t really matter who you root for, it’s just to have someone like that back the game, back the women’s game, it’s just tremendous.

“It’s amazing. It’s so cool. We all know who Serena is, she was a role model growing up, and to have someone like her be part of the team and the club is an incredible support.

“I think it really shows how far the game is going. I think people are starting to wake up and know, actually, this is very profitable.”

Chelsea get their title defense underway with Friday’s WSL season opener against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Macario joined Chelsea from Lyon in July 2023 but did not make her debut until March 2024, scoring six minutes after coming on against Leicester to end a 20-month recovery from serious injury.

The U.S. forward is no stranger to relocation. She moved to the U.S. from Brazil at age 12, a period she said was a “very tough, very difficult transition which required a lot of sacrifices from myself and my family.”

She added: “We went through a lot to make my dream come true and to get me to the point where I am today. Not knowing any English, being separated from your mom, and just starting a whole new life is always very tough, especially at that age, but I guess it is something that has proved to have been worth it.

“I think, as hard as it was, I would do it all over again if I had to, if I knew that it would lead to so many open doors.”

One of those doors led to Lyon, where she played a critical role in their 2021-22 French title and Champions League-winning campaigns, scoring 23 goals in 33 games.

That spell left her in a unique position when Chelsea manager, Emma Hayes, left at the end of the 2023-24 season to become her national team head coach. Her former Lyon boss, Sonia Bompastor, was named as Hayes’ replacement at Stamford Bridge.

Any questions about how difficult it might be for the Frenchwoman to follow the charismatic Hayes were answered when Chelsea sealed an unbeaten domestic treble in Bompastor’s first season in charge.

“I wasn’t surprised in the slightest,” Macario added. “She’s a serial winner. That’s just who she is. She demands the very best from every player, every staff member.

“She took us to even greater lengths and now that we are one year into her era, we’re all excited to see what more we can achieve.”

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Philadelphia Eagles legend Brian Westbrook heard head coach Nick Sirianni say the team wouldn’t be watching their Super Bowl LIX banner rise at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night. 

Westbrook couldn’t love that mentality more. 

While the entire city of Philadelphia will be ecstatic to see the franchise’s second Super Bowl banner of all time rise on Thursday night during the NFL’s 2025 season kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys, this year’s Eagles team is focused on winning another Vince Lombardi Trophy at the end of the new season. 

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Westbrook spoke to Fox News Digital after working with USAA as part of its Recycled Rides NFL Kickoff on Wednesday, gifting a new car to a deserving military service member, where he discussed the Eagles’ mentality heading into 2025. 

“The one thing I love about this team this offseason was their approach,” he explained. “This offseason wasn’t about them doing a victory lap around Philadelphia and the United States saying they’re the best team in football, they beat the reigning champs, and they did this, that and the other. It wasn’t about that. It was about refocusing. It was about saying, ‘Yeah, we won last year, but we have something else we want to prove, and one is not enough. Now, we have to go out there and earn it again.’

“That’s what this offseason was about for this football team.”

COWBOYS’ CEEDEE LAMB SAYS HE PLANS TO WATCH EAGLES’ SUPER BOWL VICTORY CELEBRATION

Westbrook added that, in those conversations with Eagles players, he’s only heard about offseason workouts and looking ahead to 2025 instead of reminiscing about the Super Bowl. 

A big part of that, in Westbrook’s eyes, has been the leadership of Jalen Hurts, the team’s franchise quarterback. 

Brian Westbrook, former NFL running back attends PXG Philadelphia Grand Opening Celebration at  PXG on April 28, 2022 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for PXG)

“Chip on his shoulder,” Westbrook said of Hurts, who enters his sixth year in an Eagles uniform. “People are still doubting him. Super Bowl MVP and people are still doubting him. So, Jalen walks around with a little chip on his shoulder, and I appreciate that because I played with that as well. His ability to lead this team is going to say a lot, and I think he’s an awesome leader.”

Of course, you can’t talk about the 2024 Eagles without mentioning their biggest free agent pickup, running back Saquon Barkley, who went on to lead the NFL in rushing yards and scrimmage yards in his debut season in Philadelphia. 

Westbrook, having played Barkley’s position while a member of the Eagles, knows how important he is to the team’s success now and in the future. But his favorite thing about Barkley is his selfless nature, where winning no matter his role takes precedent. 

“Saquon is one of the best teammates you can possibly have,” Westbrook said. “He understands and believes that, ‘If we need to throw the ball 50 times a game, I’m willing to block 50 times. If we need to run the ball, I’ll run the ball 50 times.’ So, he’s selfless in that way. He wants to win games.”

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) waves during training camp at NovaCare Complex. (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

The Chiefs would’ve cemented their place as an NFL dynasty if they came out victorious in New Orleans earlier this year. After all, no team in league history has ever won three straight Super Bowls. 

But looking at this Eagles team, and how GM Howie Roseman has crafted this bunch to has a large championship window in the coming years, perhaps this is the squad where the word “dynasty” comes back around. 

“I don’t think you can throw the word dynasty around quite yet,” Westbrook replied when asked that very question. “I think you have to win a couple more in a row to do that. I mean, [2017] was huge, but coming back last year was huge as well. Before you can have a dynasty, you need to win a few of them. But talent wise, they have the ability to do that. They have the ability to go back-to-back and have the ability to win an awful lot of games this year. As a fan, I hate to throw dynasty around until it actually happens. 

“So, I won’t use it, but I can certainly see why people say this team has the potential to be a dynasty.”

Philadelphia Eagles legend Brian Westbrook poses with military members at USAA Recycled Rides event before the 2025 NFL season kicks off. (USAA)

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SURPRISING THOSE WHO SERVE US

Westbrook was right outside where the Eagles will be playing on Thursday night, as he helped USAA, the official “Salute to Service” partner of the NFL, gift a vehicle to Airman First Class Keskel Yatrofsky, who is currently serving in the United States Air Force in the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron based out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurt.

Yatrofsky received a 2023 Toyota Camry completely repaired and donated by the National Auto Body Council Recycled Ride, which focuses providing reliable transportation to those in need. 

“Moments like this go down as some of the most special times in my life,” he said. “I think about my kids and what we’re teaching them about gratitude, giving back, about doing things for others that make their day. 

“Today, watching Keskel and his face of excitement about receiving a car that means so much.”

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The new Women’s Super League (WSL) season kicks off on Friday with a huge game between champions Chelsea and title rivals Manchester City, before UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) winners Arsenal host newly promoted London City Lionesses (who are backed by the cash of Washington Spirit and OL Lyonnais owner Michele Kang) on Saturday.

The WSL transfer window ends on Thursday at 11 p.m. BST / 6 p.m. ET, so clubs still have a bit of time to do some deals. But what do we need to know about the upcoming season? Here are some burning questions.

What’s more important to Chelsea and Arsenal: the WSL or UWCL?

Having fallen short for the past six years as Chelsea have won every WSL title since 2019-20, Arsenal’s priority must be proving they can genuinely compete in the league. While retaining their European crown and reaching another final will be high on their agenda, their league form has been disappointing for three consecutive seasons.

Being two-time European champions is a remarkable achievement, but their inability to sustain a title challenge and keep pace with Chelsea remains a major concern. They have been out of the title race well before the final weekend for several seasons, and defeats to teams like Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa can’t happen again. The signings of Olivia Smith, Chloe Kelly and Taylor Hinds are a positive in this regard, but it would also help if the Gunners could beat Chelsea in the WSL for the first time since December 2023.

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Meanwhile, Chelsea have firmly established themselves as the dominant force in England. They’ve lifted the league eight times since 2015 and, amid the turbulence of Emma Hayes’ departure last summer, Sonia Bompastor’s arrival took them to a new level. With a refreshed squad, and strong financial backing, the Blues delivered an unbeaten season without missing a step and will be favorites again after signing Ellie Carpenter, Mara Alber and Livia Peng, with further links to Angel City forward Alyssa Thompson.

Yet for all their domestic dominance, a European trophy continues to elude them, with three straight semifinal exits (including an 8-2 aggregate loss to Barcelona last season) highlighting the gap they still need to bridge.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea will be dreaming of winning the WSL and UWCL, but their immediate priorities differ. Arsenal must show they can win the league again; Chelsea must finally translate their domestic dominance into European glory.

Can Man City, Man United challenge for the title?

There’s renewed energy around Man City as new manager Andrée Jeglertz, formerly in charge of Denmark, has implemented an open-door policy that encourages players to take ownership of plans and tactics. And, with impressive summer additions such as Sydney Lohmann, Iman Beney and Jade Rose, they have addressed the gaps exposed by last season’s injuries.

After a turbulent campaign, the squad now looks refreshed and ready for a new challenge. This shift has given them an edge and, with the return of core figures like Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood and Vivianne Miedema, Man City look like genuine contenders to mount a serious title push. Two seasons ago they finished second, only missing out to Chelsea on goal difference, and haven’t won the title since 2016. But this could be their year with no European football to balance.

By contrast, Manchester United appear stretched and squad depth is an issue, with only two new signings added so far, and links to Man City’s Jess Park surfacing recently. Their run to the third round of UWCL qualifying (where they face SK Brann over two legs later this month for a place in the league phase) is impressive, but competing consistently with the continent’s elite looks like a tall order.

Furthermore, the negativity around the poor performance of the men’s team and ongoing issues with ownership under the guidance of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has generated headlines aplenty over his treatment of the women’s side, are disrupting Marc Skinner’s plans before the season has begun.

The WSL no longer offers easy fixtures; gone are the days when top clubs could coast against lower-ranked sides and the league is more competitive and balanced than ever. City seem ready for that challenge, but United risk slipping further away from title contention into mid-table, especially if the added demands of a Champions League campaign come into play.

What can we expect from newly promoted London City?

London City aren’t here to settle for midtable, they’re aiming much higher. With a purpose-built squad and an ambitious transfer strategy that has seen them sign 14 players this summer, they’ve become the first newly promoted side to seriously strengthen with top international talent such as Katie Zelem, Jana Fernández, Daniëlle van de Donk, Nikita Parris, Alanna Kennedy and Elena Linari.

Far from relegation candidates, they could actually surprise many who expect them to linger at the bottom. What sets them apart is something we haven’t seen before from a promoted team: genuine competitiveness in the market. Financially, they operate on a different level compared to recent arrivals like Crystal Palace and Bristol City, and that investment makes it unlikely they’ll be stuck in a relegation scrap.

Backed by Kang’s money, bolstered by upgraded training facilities, and supported by a top-tier coaching staff, the Lionesses already look one of the stronger sides on paper. Their baptism in the WSL will be tough, with an opening game away at Arsenal before hosting Manchester United, but if they can navigate those challenges, they have the potential to disrupt the established order.

Which team could surprise this season?

Aston Villa and Everton look sharper this season. Both clubs have invested wisely, making key signings and benefiting from improved budgets. Having struggled to escape the middle-to-lower pack in recent years, this could finally be the campaign where they break through and push into the upper tier. Villa have added some big names like Lynn Wilms, Jill Baijings and Ellie Roebuck, while Everton have gone for young, hungry and versatile talent like Martina Fernández, Rion Ishikawa and Ornella Vignola.

Brighton have also strengthened smartly, securing Arsenal duo Michelle Agyemang and Rosa Kafaji on loan, while adding Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Japan defender Moeka Minami. They have lost some depth, which could pose problems later in the campaign, but a strong start could set them up for a top-half finish.

West Ham United also have made some impressive additions and though they are unlikely to finish much higher than the ninth place they managed in 2024-25, they could pull off some impressive wins against tougher opponents and held both Chelsea (2-2) and Man City (1-1) to draws last season.

Which young (U21) players do you think will shine?

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With Man United’s Grace Clinton, Man City’s Mary Fowler, and Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones now beyond “young player” status, space has opened up for the next wave of talent to break through.

After her heroic Euro 2025 campaign for England, Agyemang will be one to watch. The 19-year-old returns to Brighton following a sensational summer where her two game-saving goals helped England secure a second European crown. Arsenal faced a tough decision: keep her in-house with limited minutes, or send her back on loan for regular football. They chose the latter and her move to Brighton, where she impressed last season, looks the perfect fit: a bigger role, greater responsibility, and a platform to ignite the WSL.

Lexi Potter is back at Chelsea after her loan spell with Crystal Palace, and is highly rated by the champions. Under Bompastor, a former academy manager with a proven record of developing talent, Potter will have the freedom to prove herself. Meanwhile, Veerle Buurman, 19, is already a first-choice centre-back for Netherlands and is now set for her first senior season at Chelsea after last year’s loan at PSV Eindhoven.

Arsenal winger Smith has just turned 21, but needs a mention as she broke the women’s transfer record to become the first £1 million signing this summer. The Canada international arrives from Liverpool with huge expectations but the challenge for manager Renée Slegers will be fitting her into an attack already stacked with Kelly, Beth Mead and Alessia Russo. The Gunners didn’t spend that much to leave her as an option from off the bench, so Smith will certainly get plenty of chances to shine this season.

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With the new playoff system, there’s no straight relegation. But which teams will be in the mix to go down?

It’s very different this season to accommodate the WSL being expanded to 14 teams for 2026-27 — two teams will be definitely be promoted from WSL 2 this season. As for relegation, only 12th place in the WSL is in danger of going down — but they will have a chance to stay up by contesting a playoff against the third-placed WSL 2 team. And it could be pretty open to which team that is.

– WSL expansion Q&A: Everything you need to know

It’s often difficult to separate the mid-table sides, but there are real concerns for Liverpool. Key departures, including Smith and Hinds, have left glaring gaps that remain unfilled. The arrival of former Man City manager Gareth Taylor offers experience but, just two seasons on from their impressive top-four finish, fears of a relegation battle are not unfounded due to their limited squad depth.

Leicester City find themselves in turmoil as well. The club parted ways with manager Amandine Miquel just 11 days before the new season, despite her delivering a club-record points total (20) last year in the face of persistent injuries. Massive squad turnover has only deepened uncertainty: seven outgoings have been offset by just three arrivals, leaving a threadbare group of 20 players. Many could be forced into roles that don’t suit them, raising doubts about their ability to compete.

Tottenham Hotspur also remain in danger. After a shaky campaign that nearly ended in relegation, they dismissed manager Robert Vilahamn and brought in former Manchester United assistant Martin Ho. The arrival of Toko Koga has helped, but Rosella Ayane, Hayley Raso and Rebecca Spencer have all departed. The squad still feels like a patchwork project and one that could be dragged into another difficult fight at the bottom.

Give us your final table prediction:

1. Chelsea
2. Manchester City
3. Arsenal
4. London City Lionesses
5. Manchester United
6. Brighton
7. Aston Villa
8. Everton
9. West Ham
10. Spurs
11. Liverpool
12. Leicester City