Another French player will wear the bleu et rose of the San Diego Wave this season.

The club announced Friday that it has acquired midfielder Kenza Dali via transfer from Aston Villa of the Women’s Super League and signed her to a two-year contract. The transfer fee and salary terms were not immediately available.

Dali has played in 75 matches for the French national team, scoring 13 goals. She was part of the French team that advanced to last summer’s Olympic quarterfinals.

“I am so excited to be joining the San Diego Wave and to be a part of this club and city,” said Dali. “From the moment I started speaking with the Wave, the ambition was clear, and I am fully committed to continuing to build something special here in San Diego alongside this team.”

The 33-year-old Dali becomes the third French national to join the Wave’s roster since last summer. San Diego acquired forward Delphine Cascarino from Olympique Lyonnais in July following the Olympics. A month later, the club acquired her former Lyon teammate, defender Perle Morroni.

Dali has Lyon connections, too: She grew up playing for the club’s reserve and suited up for two stints (2009 to 2010 and 2016 to 2017) with the senior club, winning a UEFA Women’s Champions League title. In two-plus seasons with England’s Aston Villa, Dali started 45 matches, scoring six goals and adding 10 assists.

Wave sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton called Dali “a proven leader and an exceptional talent with extensive experience at the highest levels of the game.”

“Her vision, creativity, and ability to command the midfield will be invaluable to our club,” Ashton said. “Adding a player of Kenza’s caliber is a testament to this club and the ambition and commitment we have to building a team that competes for championships.”

The Wave open their season March 16 against Angel City at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Their home opener is March 22 against the Utah Royals at Snapdragon Stadium.

Originally Published: January 24, 2025 at 1:12 PM PST