US women’s national team star Sophia Wilson will return to professional action in 2026 after confirming a new year with her club in Portland. The decision marks a major boost for the team as it plans for the next season. The 25-year-old forward used the player option in her contract to stay one more year. The club confirmed the move on Wednesday. While official terms were not shared, reports say the deal is valued at around $1 million. That figure would place the agreement among the most valuable player contracts in the league. Wilson did not appear on the field during the most recent season. She was on maternity leave following the birth of her daughter, Gianna. Earlier this year, she also took a new name after marrying professional football player Michael Wilson. She previously played under the name Sophia Smith. In a message shared by the club, Wilson said returning to Portland feels deeply personal. She explained that the city is where her professional career began. It is also where she feels she grew both as a player and as a person. She added that she loves the city, the fans, and the energy inside the home stadium. She said playing in front of the supporters again is something she truly looks forward to. Wilson has already built a strong legacy with the club. Across five seasons, she has scored 44 goals in all competitions. Her impact has been constant and decisive. In 2022, she was named the league’s most valuable player after helping the team win the championship. She has also been part of several title-winning squads. These include the league shield and the challenge cup in 2021. In 2023, she earned the Golden Boot after leading the league with 11 goals. That season further confirmed her status as one of the most dangerous attackers in the game. Before turning professional, Wilson starred at the college level. She grew up in Colorado and was selected first overall in the 2020 draft. She joined the league after a standout career at Stanford. There, she helped her team win the national title in 2019. Her college performances were historic. In the national semi-final, she scored three goals against a top rival. That display earned her the most valuable player award of the tournament. Many analysts viewed her as a future star long before she entered the professional ranks. Club leadership praised her return. Team officials said Wilson is a rare talent who can change a match in seconds. They added that her presence will strengthen the attack as the team builds on recent progress. The club also said it values her strong bond with the local soccer community. Wilson’s influence extends beyond club football. She has been a key figure for the national team in recent years. She was part of the squad that won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Fans often refer to the team’s attacking trio by a popular nickname that reflects their speed and energy. She also represented the United States at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Across her international career so far, she has played 58 matches and scored 24 goals. Her scoring rate places her among the most effective forwards of her generation. Her individual honors are just as strong. She was named the country’s women’s player of the year in 2022. Earlier in her career, she earned young player of the year honors in 2017. These awards highlight both her early promise and her sustained excellence. The Sophia Wilson Portland Deal comes at a key moment for the league. Player contracts are growing in value, and stars are gaining more control over their careers. Wilson’s decision to stay signals confidence in her club and in the league’s future. As she prepares to return in 2026, expectations will be high. Fans will be eager to see her back on the field, scoring goals and leading the attack once again. For Portland, her return brings both proven talent and renewed belief.