Girelli Embarks on New Chapter with Loan to Bay FC
For Cristiana Girelli, this isn’t a farewell, but an opening of a new door. When that door opens for the Juventus Women captain, it signifies a career continuing to seek its highest point, because when you’ve reached true greatness, even when you could rest, you choose to challenge yourself further and seize a significant opportunity.
The star Italian forward is set to join Bay FC, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club based in the San Francisco Bay Area, for a loan spell. The move represents a key step in Girelli’s career, offering her the chance to test her skills in one of the world’s most competitive women’s soccer leagues.
Girelli, 35, will extend her contract with Juventus through the end of the current season before making the move to the United States. The loan is initially for six months, with the possibility of extending it through the end of the American season, according to reports from TAG24.it. The NWSL season begins on March 14th and concludes before mid-November, potentially allowing Girelli to return to Juventus Women without disrupting her role in the Italian league.
The move follows a historic run with Juventus, where Girelli recently set the club’s record for all-time appearances and scored her 150th goal for the Bianconere on February 1st. She joins teammates Sofia Cantore and Lisa Boattin, who also made the move to the NWSL over the summer of 2025, in pursuing opportunities outside of Italy, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Girelli’s departure isn’t seen as a final goodbye, but rather a temporary pause. She is expected to return to Juventus following her time in the NWSL. Her idol, Alessandro Del Piero, was present in the stands to applaud her during what may be her final appearance for the club before departing for the United States, a testament to her legendary status at Juventus.
At Juventus, Girelli has become a true icon, securing five Scudetti (Italian league titles) and surpassing 150 career goals. These numbers represent not just a remarkable career, but a significant chapter in the history of Italian women’s soccer.
The move to Bay FC, which will be entering its third season in the NWSL in 2026, offers Girelli a chance to compete against some of the best players in the world. The NWSL is known for its fierce competition and demanding environment, a challenge Girelli appears eager to embrace.
While her club career takes a temporary detour, Girelli’s commitment to the Italian national team remains unwavering. Her journey continues on two fronts, representing both her club and country with dedication and skill.
As Sky Sport noted, this move isn’t just about a change of scenery; it’s about a player of Girelli’s stature continuing to push her boundaries and seek new challenges at the peak of her career.
