Arsenal Are Champions of Europe 🏆

Plus, the USWNT face off against China.

May 27, 2025

A quick note from MiB’s founder Roger Bennett on yesterday’s tragic events in Liverpool

Rog writes: Like the rest of the footballing family, we are shocked at the news emanating from Liverpool over the last 24 hours, in which a title celebration meant to be an affirmation of life, was scarred by senseless horror. I am from Liverpool. I know it is a strong, proud, resilient city – a place of true togetherness and mutual support. We wish all there strength and resilience in this moment of challenge which is too much to process. All we can do now is pray for those who are injured, and send our strength and love. You'll Never Walk Alone. ❤️💔

Good afternoon, TWG readers

I’m still processing the whirlwind that was the Champions League final. Arsenal’s game plan, performance, and celebrations were unbelievably executed, and for the first time since 2007, the Gunners lifted the Champions League trophy. Watching Chloe Kelly sing “North London Forever” after the tumultuous season she had… witnessing Arsenal legends Leah Williamson and Kim Little raise the trophy… seeing Americans Emily Fox and Jenna Nighswonger celebrating European glory… the victory was enough to make almost anyone an Arsenal fan! Huge congratulations to manager Renée Slegers and her team for a truly historic win.

TWG dropped tons of content last week with so many competitions to cover - Chloe Kelly, Emily Fox, and a TWG Live with Becky Sauerbrunn from the Champions League final are all available on our YouTube channel. Coming up this week, we’ll discuss the upcoming USWNT games with Becky on Good Vibes FC on Tuesday. Then on Thursday, we’ve got USWNT and Washington Spirit defender Tara McKeown on Friendlies, and another TWG Live with Meghan Klingenberg after the USWNT play China on Saturday!

I am back home in Vermont after my time in London visiting my nephew has sadly come to an end. It was such a joy to be there and I am feeling so full of love and gratitude for my family. It’s kind of hard to describe, but the feeling of holding my nephew gave me a really deep sense of being human. I kind of felt like the Grinch at the end of the movie when his heart grows three sizes.

Here’s to taking beautiful, life-affirming moments, and boiling them down to Grinch references!

Love,

Sam

Arsenal Are Champions of Europe 🇪🇺🏆

Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona

The only English club ever crowned champions of Europe have done it again. Eighteen years since their first trophy in 2007—despite being frequently named underdogs against the formidable reigning campeonas from Catalonia—Arsenal beat Barcelona 1-0 in Lisbon on Saturday, claiming the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy. 

In front of a sold out crowd, the Gunners came out of the gate with a confident momentum that rarely abated, as they secured a statement victory despite being outshot 20-8 by the Spaniards. English forward Beth Mead came off the bench to assist fellow substitute, 29-year-old Swedish forward Stina Blackstenius (in the words of TWG co-host and USWNT legend defender Becky Sauerbrunn, “She is a handful of a forward. She has haunted my dreams for several years.”) in the game-deciding goal, which she struck into the left corner of the net in the 74th minute just seven minutes after entering the game.

Across Arsenal’s entire starting lineup, and with immense contributions from their substitutes, a team of destiny emerged in the face of underestimation, entertaining all who love the game with a riveting Champions League finale. With their victory, 36-year-old former midfielder and Dutch manager Renée Slegers (who took hold of the team midseason and guided them on a historic run) has coached a team to the UWCL trophy in her first appearance on that stage. And two USWNT gold medalists, Emily Fox and Jenna Nighswonger, have joined the illustrious ranks of USWNT greats to claim the top international trophy in the club game.

  • Sam’s Take 🗣️: Arsenal's game plan was executed so well, down to the timing and selection of substitutions. When two players sub on the field and almost immediately impact the game the way Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius did, I see that as a great managerial decision. Props to RenĂŠe Slegers, who has taken this Arsenal team over and cemented herself in the history books.

More: In 2007, Arsenal and England center-back Leah Williamson walked out as a mascot with the first Gunners squad crowned champions of Europe. Eighteen years later, she started for her girlhood club and was essential in their victorious result.

📬 Enjoying The Women’s Game? Check out our other MiB newsletters here.

USWNT Start their Summer Campaign this Saturday Against China 🇺🇸🇨🇳

It’s been nearly 10 months since the U.S. Women’s National Team won their fifth gold medal in Paris. Since then, Emma Hayes has guided the team through multiple retirements (Alyssa Naeher, we miss you) and notable absences (the iconic forward trio of Swanson, Wilson [nĂŠe Smith], and Rodman hasn’t been seen since) as the team prepares for the World Cup in 2027. 

With her eye on the future, Hayes has fielded dynamic teams—replete with key veterans and lots of uncapped players—against top international competition in 2025. The results have been mixed: the gold medalists placed second behind Japan in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. In April, they went toe-to-toe against Olympic silver medalists Brazil, and walked away with one win and one loss. 

This Saturday, a seismic summer campaign, which will see the U.S. test their mettle against Jamaica, Ireland, Canada, and more, sets off with a friendly against FIFA’s No. 17th-ranked nation, China. (Saturday, 5:30 p.m. ET, TBS/HBO Max/Peacock). Sam will go live on the TWG YouTube channel with Meghan Klingenberg at the final whistle to break it all down, so be sure to check that out.

Hayes named a 24-player roster for Saturday’s friendly against China (and next Tuesday’s second challenge against the Reggae Girlz), which continues to welcome new names and uncapped players as she whittles down her team for the ‘27 World Cup run. Kansas City Current’s 32-year-old midfield veteran (and queen of the celly) Lo’eau LaBonta could become the oldest player to debut for the U.S. in the program’s 40-year history. Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello also earned a first call-up through the merit of league performances. Big news for USWNT fans: at the close of a triple-trophy winning season with Chelsea, the USA’s inimitable defender and Stanford grad Naomi Girma is back on the roster for the first time in 2025.

NWSL Weekend 10: Orlando Bounce Back 📊

Utah Royals 1-3 Orlando Pride

Barbra Banda’s hat-trick guided the Pride to a 3-1 win against Utah Friday evening, marking Banda’s first goals, as well as Orlando’s first league win, since April 25 against Angel City. Utah’s 26-year-old goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn (who heads to USWNT camp this week) made seven immense saves, but that wasn’t enough to stymie the reigning NWSL champs who had a point to prove ahead of the international break. 

Seattle 1-2 Washington Spirit

In her second start (and fifth appearance) since returning from a meniscus tear, 2024 Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune scored the first of two goals for Washington in a key victory over Seattle. In her debut season as a professional, Bethune contributed five goals and 10 assists across 17 matches before ending her season tragically early; it’s a true delight to see her back healthy and notching goals again. Ashley Hatch (who finished the weekend with six goals on the season and in second place for the Golden Boot) scored the team’s second, decisive goal on the road in Washington. 

San Diego Wave 5-2 North Carolina Courage

They fell behind first, but second-place San Diego secured a seismic 5-2 win against North Carolina in California Sunday evening. Just one year after missing the playoffs, the SoCal squad are undefeated in their last six games (five wins, one draw) and soaring ahead of the international break. Tenth-place North Carolina were at times unlucky in the result, but face serious questions surrounding their season 10 games in.

🥤 Olipop power everything we do here at The Women’s Game. You can use code TWG20 for 20% off your first order at drinkolipop.com/TWG20.

Elsewhere in the Football World 🌍

Concacaf W Champions Cup Final: UANL Tigres 0-1 Gotham

NWSL’s 2023 champions have added another trophy to their cabinet: the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup. After beating Club AmĂŠrica 3-1 in the midweek semifinal (featuring Midge Purce’s first Gotham goal since returning from an ACL injury), Gotham beat AmĂŠrica’s fellow Mexican club Tigres 1-0 to claim the 2025 trophy. Spanish forward Esther Gonzalez (who currently leads the NWSL Golden Boot race alongside Barbra Banda) scored the decisive goal. With that, Gotham have officially clinched qualification in the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and 2028 FIFA Women’s Club World Cup. 

Bayern Munich Win Inaugural World Sevens Tournament

The German giants collected a hefty $2.5 million prize (more than the Champions League final payout) after winning the first-ever World Sevens Football tournament last week. The event was notable for its flair of fun, creative celebrations and high goal counts. Bayern beat Manchester United 2-1 in the final to clinch the inaugural trophy. 

  • Sam’s Take 🗣️ I loved watching the World Sevens! When I heard about the tournament, I assumed that it would be an opportunity for young players and non-starters to find some joy at the end of a long season. The notion that top players like Pernille Harder, Lily Yohannes, Kerolin, and Ella Toone were all competing, celebrating, and bringing their best to this competition blew me away. I am a huge fan of this tournament and already can't wait to see how it grows next year!

The Women’s Game Live! In Vermont 🎙️

Sam Mewis and The Women’s Game are coming to the Green Mountain State ahead of Vermont Green’s women’s week – which Sam is coaching! – for The Women’s Game Live! in Vermont. The evening will be one of storytelling, soccer, and celebration of what makes Vermont soccer so special and the creativity used to make Vermont soccer-mad.

Hosted by Sam, who is proud to call Vermont home, the show will bring together some very special local guests for a lively, heartfelt look at the state’s unique soccer culture and DIY spirit. From bike paths and lake views to grassroots football and big dreams, you'll hear how Vermont became the unlikely heartbeat of something much bigger. Expect candid conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and a celebration of women’s soccer. This is part-live podcast, part-community gathering—with smiles, laughs, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you're a local or just passing through, come see why Vermont feels like home.

Get your tickets now 🎟️

Upcoming Matches Worth Setting Reminders for 📺

UEFA Nations League

The final two matchdays of the Nations League group stage start this weekend, with the first-place winners of each group progressing to the finals this fall. France has already won Group Two, but the other three will go down to the wire: 

Germany vs. Netherlands, Group One (Friday, 2:30 p.m. ET, DAZN/Fubo)

This rematch of last year’s third-place battle (which Germany won 2-0 to secure their spot in the Olympics) will likely decide who wins Group One. Both teams will enter the fray tied on 10 points, with the Germans ahead on goal differential. Die Nationelf hosts the Dutch in Bremen for the decisive clash. 

England vs. Portugal, Group Three (Friday, 2:45 p.m. ET, DAZN/Fubo)

A few days before the reigning champions of Europe (England) bout with the reigning World Cup champions (Spain), England’s Lionesses will host Portugal at Wembley Stadium for their penultimate test in the group stage. The Lionesses are currently in second behind Spain, while Portugal are in third. England will need a positive result (while hoping La Roja stumble against Belgium on the same day) if they hope to progress past the Spanish in Tuesday’s final test. 

More: In a massive shock to fans and England teammates, Lioness and PSG goalkeeper Mary Earps—who helped guide England to the 2022 EURO title and a second-place finish at the 2023 World Cup as their starting goalkeeper—announced her retirement from the England national team just five weeks before the 2025 EURO tournament. The decision follows news from camp that 24-year-old Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton had replaced Earps as the team’s No 1 keeper.

Italy vs. Sweden, Group Four (Friday, 12:20 p.m. ET, DAZN/Fubo)

Sweden lead Group Four by just two points, and will face second-place Italy on their home turf this Friday. Both Italy and third-place Denmark could leapfrog Sweden in the standings in the final round of matches depending on the weekend’s results. 

News and Notes 🗞️

It’s TWG Trivia Time 🤔

Welcome back to our weekly trivia game!

This week’s question: Throughout its history, China has been one of the USWNT’s most frequent opponents. Many will remember the iconic penalty shootout in 1999, which saw the U.S. win their home World Cup against China in dramatic fashion. But a few years before, the USWNT also beat China (2-1) in the Olympic gold medal match in Atlanta. Who scored the USA’s game-winning goal?

Respond to this email (or reply here) for a chance to win a coveted TWG patch.

Last week’s answer: Recently, U.S. Soccer unveiled the new 2025 National Team kits. The USWNT have won a multitude of major titles over the years in a variety of jerseys, but they won one major international title while wearing the Waldo, a red and white-striped kit that looks like the ‘“Where’s Waldo?” character. That tournament was, of course, the 2012 London Olympics!

This week’s winner is Ashlyn Smith, and thanks to everyone who responded. Ashlyn, the patch is in the mail. 📬

Moment of Joy 🤸

Jordan writes: Hi Sam, Lynn, and Becky,

Love you guys and love the show — keep up everything you are doing. We are obsessed with Phallon Tullis-Joyce here in DC and in honor of her incredible season with Man U and her super cool marine biology career, we nominate the nickname Starfish. We think it perfectly encapsulates her stellar on-the-field play and her awesome off-the-field interests.

P.S. Go Spirit!!

Cheers,

Jordan

Sam writes:

Hi Jordan! We at TWG are also obsessed with Phallon Tullis-Joyce and have loved watching her play for Man United. While I still love “octa-phallon” and “blocktapus”, Starfish is another solid nickname! Thanks so much for writing in and sharing - and be on the lookout for upcoming interviews at TWG as we may have one with Starfish herself. 

📝 Want to be featured in next week’s TWG newsletter? Send Sam an email! All your questions, comments, and dog (or wedding) photos can be sent to [email protected]

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.