Linda Motlhalo

She comes from Randfontein, South Africa.

She earned the nickname "Randfontein Ronaldinho" because of her playing style, which resembles that of the Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.

She started playing football at the age of six.

She had to train with boys because there was no women's team.

Her father was a coach, so she spent a lot of time at training sessions with his team, Mighty Bugs.

She left home at the age of 12 to train at a bigger club.

She credits her success to her parents, consistency and never taking opportunities for granted.

She comes from a footballing family, with her uncle Joseph Motlhalo playing as a goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs from 1970 to 1985.

She played at the 2016 Olympics with South Africa at just 18 years old.

She scored once in four starts at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, helping South Africa reach the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history.

She looked up to Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar because they played in South Africa before taking on new challenges abroad, which she resonates with.

She acknowledges that she is a role model and plays football not just for herself but to inspire young children to pursue the sport.

She believes it’s important to show that there is a pathway for South African players to succeed abroad, even though there is no professional women’s league in South Africa.

She scored in her first match for the national team.

She started her professional career in the U.S. with Houston Dash, playing under former South Africa coach Vera Pauw.

She has played in four different countries: the U.S., China, Sweden, Scotland, and now the U.S. again.