The summer of 2025 has proven to be another whirlwind in the world of women’s football, as headline transfers, fresh contracts, and social media buzz continue to reshape the landscape of the game. From Brooklyn to Liverpool and across Europe’s top leagues, the transfer window has delivered drama, excitement, and a fair share of surprises. As clubs finalize their rosters and fans gear up for the new season, the movement of star players and the stories behind their decisions are dominating conversations both online and on the pitch.
One of the most talked-about moves this summer comes from across the Atlantic, where American club Brooklyn FC made waves by announcing the signing of Ana Maria Markovic on August 21, 2025. Markovic, 26, is no stranger to the spotlight. Dubbed “the world’s most beautiful footballer,” her arrival was met with immediate excitement from fans and fellow athletes alike. Markovic herself wasted no time sharing the news, posting a photo in her new Brooklyn jersey on her Instagram account, which now boasts over 2.9 million followers. The post quickly went viral, with supporters promising to tune in to Brooklyn’s matches just to catch a glimpse of their new star.
The reaction from the football community was just as enthusiastic. England’s Chloe Kelly, fresh off scoring the decisive goal in the Euro 2025 final, was among the first to congratulate Markovic publicly, commenting, “Wishing you all the best!” according to Soccerdonna. The outpouring of support wasn’t limited to fans; celebrities and fellow athletes also chimed in, signaling just how high Markovic’s profile has risen in recent years.
Markovic’s journey to Brooklyn FC has been anything but straightforward. After starting her career in Switzerland with FC Zurich and later Grasshopper, she made a move to Sporting Braga in Portugal. However, her time there was brief and somewhat tumultuous. She appeared in just four matches during the first half of the 2024-2025 season before parting ways with the club in February 2025 after a mutual contract termination. The reasons behind her departure became the subject of much speculation. Some fans pointed to her high-profile relationship with Tomas Ribeiro, who plays for Farense in Portugal’s top division, while others suggested her popularity and striking looks may have made her a target for isolation within the squad. Whatever the cause, Markovic kept her focus on football and her ever-growing social media presence.
Born in Croatia, Markovic moved to Zurich with her family at a young age—a move that set the stage for her footballing journey. Her international career has seen her earn 20 caps and score two goals for the Croatia women’s national team, cementing her status as a player to watch. Now, as she embarks on a new chapter in Brooklyn, expectations are sky-high. The club and its supporters are hoping that her blend of skill, charisma, and star power will help elevate the team’s profile in a crowded American sports market.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, another major storyline has unfolded in the Women’s Super League. On August 20, 2025, Liverpool forward Leanne Kiernan put pen to paper on a new contract, reaffirming her commitment to the club she joined from West Ham in 2021. At 26, the Republic of Ireland international has already made a significant mark at Liverpool, scoring 23 goals since her arrival. Her career, however, hasn’t been without setbacks. Kiernan suffered a serious ankle injury on the opening day of the 2022-2023 season, sidelining her for several months and testing her resolve.
Upon signing her new deal, Kiernan expressed her excitement and gratitude for the support she’s received during her time at Liverpool. “It feels amazing and I’m really excited to get going again,” she said. “My family are delighted, honestly. It’s like a second home for them as well as me and they love it over here. I could actually see myself, after I finish my career, in Liverpool. I feel like they’re really enjoying coming over to see me.” She also paid tribute to the fans, stating, “The fans have been unbelievable – really supportive throughout injuries, really supportive by sticking with us and I feel like they’ve been there for the good times and the bad. Hopefully we’ll be able to celebrate with them a lot this year.”
Kiernan’s new contract is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a testament to Liverpool’s faith in her ability to bounce back and contribute at the highest level. With her injury woes behind her, both the club and its supporters are eager to see what she can achieve in the upcoming campaign. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the resilience and determination required to succeed in elite sport.
Of course, these individual moves are just part of a much larger picture. According to Goal.com’s August 20, 2025, overview of the summer transfer window, the women’s game has witnessed a flurry of high-profile switches and headline-grabbing deals. The 2024 summer window had already set a precedent, with stars like Mary Earps, Vivianne Miedema, and Lucy Bronze making significant moves. This year, anticipation was high as players such as Chloe Kelly, Korbin Albert, and Olga Carmona became free agents, while others like Jule Brand, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, and Jill Roord completed early transfers that sent shockwaves through the footballing world.
Among the most notable confirmed moves were Laia Aleixandri’s switch to Barcelona, Ingrid Engen’s transfer to Lyon, and Sara Dabritz joining Real Madrid. For many fans, the question wasn’t if these deals would happen, but when. Still, as is often the case in football, the transfer window has delivered its share of surprises—unexpected departures, late signings, and rumors that continue to swirl as the deadline approaches. Goal.com’s ongoing coverage promises to keep supporters updated, grading every major transaction as it happens and offering insight into which clubs are emerging as winners or losers in this frenzied off-season.
What does all this movement mean for the women’s game? For starters, it reflects the sport’s growing profile and the increasingly competitive nature of club football worldwide. The influx of talent into leagues like the Women’s Super League and the NWSL, combined with the global reach of social media stars like Markovic, is helping to attract new fans and sponsors. At the same time, established players like Kiernan are being rewarded for their loyalty and perseverance, while ambitious clubs continue to invest in building squads capable of challenging for silverware.
As the dust settles on another action-packed transfer window, all eyes are now on the pitch. Will Markovic’s move to Brooklyn FC pay off? Can Kiernan help propel Liverpool to new heights? And which of the summer’s big signings will have the biggest impact as the season unfolds? One thing’s for sure: the women’s game is more exciting, unpredictable, and globally connected than ever before. With new faces in new places and plenty of storylines to follow, the 2025-2026 season promises to be one for the history books.
For now, fans and pundits alike are left to speculate, analyze, and—most importantly—enjoy the ride as women’s football continues its remarkable ascent. The action is underway, and the best may be yet to come.
