From an outside perspective, it looked like Sam Coffey was set up for the rest of her career back in her homeland. As club captain of Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and a midfield mainstay in the United States national team, the 27-year-old would have been forgiven for simply enjoying the fruits of her labour. But Coffey has never been one to stay in her comfort zone, both on and off the pitch. When current Women's Super League leaders Manchester City came calling in January, she jumped at the opportunity to test herself on the other side of the world. City's club-record £600,000 signing sat down with BBC Sport to discuss why she chose Andree Jeglertz's side, her friendship with former Chelsea and current US women's national team boss Emma Hayes, and why she wants to use her platform for good.

Source: BBC February 19, 2026 16:05 UTC