Delphine Cascarino: The France striker joins the London Lionesses

French striker Delphine Cascarino has joined London City Lionesses on a three-and-a-half-year contract after leaving the San Diego Wave.

Cascarino agreed to terminate her contract with the Wave on Sunday, with the National Women’s Soccer League club saying she wanted to be closer to home.

The 28-year-old has signed for Al Mouj in 2024, having spent her entire career up to that point with Lyon, where she has won the Women’s Champions League six times, as well as nine Ligue 1 titles.

Cascarino played 86 times for France, helping them reach the quarter-finals of the Olympic football tournament in Paris 2024, and the quarter-finals again at Euro 2025 – where he provided an assist in each of the group stage wins over England and the Netherlands.

“England – for men and women – is a country of football,” Cascarino said. “It has always been my goal to play in this league.

“I want to play in the Champions League here in London and win many trophies.”

London City Lionesses, playing in the Women’s Super League for the first time this season, are currently ranked seventh.

Head coach Eder Meister added: “I’m very excited about this signing. I really think she’s one of the most exciting strikers I’ve seen. She’s a dribbler who can take on players in one-on-one situations, and will be very strong on the wing.”

“Everyone can see how good she is when she plays, and I want that warrior mentality and winning mentality off the field to also help us achieve our goals.

“She has won six Champions League titles, so she has the ambition and knowledge to win, on and off the pitch.”