The transfer window has opened, leagues are back, and Barcelona is in full force with 12 goals. The WSL has a new sponsor. There's been a lot going on, so let's take a look.
The growth of women's football is also attracting major sponsors. The English Women's Super League received a New Year's gift in the form of a partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The deal — which also sees Mercedes-Benz as presenting partner of the WSL/WSL2 — highlights the brand’s broader commitment to women’s sport. This is not the first collaboration of this kind – Chelsea has been partnering with Škoda Auto for the second season now.
In addition to the WSL, Spain's Liga F also returned after the winter break on January 10, with Barcelona kicking off the new year with a 12-goal haul in home match against Madrid CFF. Polish striker Ewa Pajor contributed four goals, returning her to the top of the scoring charts, which she dominated last season. Young Swiss star Sydney Schertenleib added two goals, while Dutch talent Esmee Brugts also contributed another.
Barcelona stays on the top of the league with 42 points after 15 rounds, having scored 74 goals and conceded just 4 all season. They lost only to Real Sociedad this season.
Not only Barcelona, but also Chelsea is returning in full force. In their first match after the winter break, they maintained the appetite they showed in their cup match against Liverpool. West Ham crushed them 5-0 at home. Lauren James opened the scoring in the 28th minute, her first goal of the season. Due to an injury she sustained at Euro 2025 final, she started the season later than usual. But now she has shown that she is ready for the rest of the season, when Chelsea must make up a six-point deficit to Manchester City.
The players of Damallsvenskan, specifically the two best clubs Häcken and Hammarby, took the WSL by storm. Tottenham has made the biggest signings, welcoming four new players, all from the Swedish and Norwegian leagues, in addition to Maika Hamano, who is on loan from Chelsea. The first is Matilda Nildén, who came from Häcken and joined her sister Amanda on the team.
Defender Hanna Wijk also came from Häcken. On the other hand, Norwegian utility player Julie Blakstad, who previously played for Manchester City, came from Hammarby. Another Norwegian player, Signe Gaubset, came from Brann, Norway, and has already made her first start against Leicester.
Arsenal has been modest compared to its rivals, welcoming only one new signing so far—right back Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby. She has already made her WSL debut, coming on as a substitute for Emily Fox late in the game. Although she has only played 17 minutes so far, the Gooners praise her influence on the game, accurate passing, and chance creation. The young defender also earned praise from Leah Williamson, who appreciated her calmness.
Swedish national team goalkeeper Jennifer Falk will play outside Sweden for the first time. Although she has extended her contract with BK Häcken, she will wear the Liverpool jersey until the end of June, which is struggling at the bottom of the WSL.
