Kenza Dali Bio
Kenza Dali (born 31 July 1991) is a French professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for San Diego Wave FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the France national team. Known for her skillful play and tactical awareness, Dali has made significant contributions to her teams both at the club and international levels.
Early Life and Background
Kenza Dali was born in Sainte-Colombe, Rhône, France, and grew up in the suburbs of Lyon. She is of Algerian descent, with her father having immigrated to France from Algeria at the age of 18. Dali faced personal challenges early in life, losing her brother at the age of 13, while her mother battled breast cancer. These experiences have contributed to her mental resilience. Dali began playing football at the age of six and joined Olympique Lyonnais at the age of 11, marking the start of her journey in the sport.
Path to Soccer
Dali spent her formative years developing her skills at Lyon, where she played on the club’s reserve team in D3 Féminine, the third level of women’s football in France. She signed her first professional contract at the age of 16 but only made one appearance for Lyon’s first team. Seeking more playing time, Dali left Lyon after three years and signed with Rodez on 25 July 2010, where she made 24 appearances. Her successful stint at Rodez led to a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2011, where she made 89 league appearances over five seasons, despite facing injuries that limited her playing time.
Kenza Dali Career
Early Career (2009–2016)
Dali’s professional career began with Olympique Lyonnais, where she was part of the reserve team. After a brief period at Rodez, she joined Paris Saint-Germain, where she played a significant role in the team’s midfield. Dali’s time at PSG was marked by both achievements and challenges, including a knee injury that sidelined her for part of the season. In 2016, she returned to Lyon but faced difficulties securing a regular spot in the squad, leading to a loan to Lille in 2018 and subsequent moves to Dijon and West Ham United.
Breakthrough (2019–2025)
Dali’s breakthrough came during her time at West Ham United, where she made her league debut against Arsenal on 8 September 2019 and scored her first league goal against Brighton on 13 October 2019. After a successful stint at West Ham, she signed with Everton in July 2021, where she continued to showcase her talent, scoring her first goal for the club in the Women’s FA Cup. Dali then joined Aston Villa in August 2022, where she made an immediate impact by scoring in her debut match against Manchester City. Her performances earned her a new contract in June 2023, extending her stay at the club.
Notable Works and Milestones
Dali joined San Diego Wave FC on 24 January 2025, marking a new chapter in her career in the National Women’s Soccer League. She made her NWSL debut in the season opener and quickly established herself as a key player, recording assists and scoring goals. By the end of April 2025, she was recognized as part of the NWSL Team of the Month, highlighting her contributions to the team’s success.
Kenza Dali Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Kenza Dali has received several nominations for her performances on the field, particularly in the NWSL. Her consistent play and contributions to her teams have made her a notable figure in women’s soccer.
Kenza Dali Awards Won
Kenza Dali has achieved recognition for her performances, including being named to the NWSL Second XI. Her contributions to the France national team and her club teams have solidified her reputation as a talented midfielder.
Kenza Dali Family
Information regarding Kenza Dali’s family is limited. She has spoken about her upbringing and the impact of her family’s experiences on her life and career.
Personal Life
Kenza Dali maintains a relatively private personal life. She has focused on her professional career, balancing her commitments to club and country while navigating the challenges of being a professional athlete.
