San Diego Wave Sign Midfielder Kenza Dali to 2-Year Contract Extension

Dali led the Wave in minutes played and goals in her first NWSL season.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The San Diego Wave have signed star midfielder Kenza Dali to a two-year contract extension that will keep her with the club through the 2027 season. Dali, 34, had a standout debut NWSL season in 2025, starting every match, leading the team in minutes played, and finishing tied for the team lead with five goals. She was a finalist for NWSL Midfielder of the Year and named to the NWSL Second-Best XI.

Why it matters

Retaining Dali, a French national team veteran with over 75 caps, is a major coup for the Wave as they look to build on their successful inaugural NWSL season. Dali's leadership and production in the midfield were key factors in the Wave's strong 2025 campaign.

The details

Dali and the Wave have agreed to a two-year deal that will carry her through the end of the 2027 season. 'In her first season with the club, Kenza made an immediate and powerful impact both on and off the field,' said Camille Ashton, the Wave's sporting director and general manager. 'Her influence goes far beyond matchday performances. Kenza sets the standard every day with her work ethic, competitiveness, and leadership. We're proud to have her continue to be an important cornerstone of this Club.'

  • Dali joined the Wave in January 2025.
  • The Wave open their 2026 season on March 14.

The players

Kenza Dali

A 34-year-old midfielder who starred for the Wave in her first NWSL season in 2025, leading the team in minutes played and finishing tied for the team lead with five goals. She was a finalist for NWSL Midfielder of the Year and named to the NWSL Second-Best XI.

Camille Ashton

The sporting director and general manager of the San Diego Wave.

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What they’re saying

“San Diego has become home for me. I believe deeply in what this club is building on and off the field, and I'm proud to continue this journey with my teammates, the staff and our fans. … The connection I've built with the city and our supporters means a great deal to me, and I'm grateful for the trust the club has shown as we continue building something special together.”

— Kenza Dali (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“In her first season with the club, Kenza made an immediate and powerful impact both on and off the field. Her influence goes far beyond matchday performances. Kenza sets the standard every day with her work ethic, competitiveness, and leadership. We're proud to have her continue to be an important cornerstone of this Club.”

— Camille Ashton, Sporting Director and General Manager, San Diego Wave (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The Wave open their 2026 season on March 14 with a home game against the Houston Dash.

The takeaway

Retaining star midfielder Kenza Dali on a multi-year deal is a major boost for the San Diego Wave as they look to build on their successful inaugural NWSL season. Dali's leadership, production, and connection with the city and fans make her a cornerstone of the club's future.