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. Standing 1.65 m tall, she is known for her creativity in the middle of the park, her set-piece quality, and her ability to contribute goals and assists from central areas.
Over the course of her career, Dali has played for some of the biggest clubs in European women’s football, including Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain, before moving to the English Women’s Super League and later the NWSL. She has represented France at every youth level and has been a regular in the senior squad since 2014, featuring in major tournaments such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the UEFA Women’s European Championship.
Early Life and Background
Kenza Dali was born on 31 July 1991 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. These family roots have remained an important part of her identity throughout her career.
Dali faced significant personal challenges during her teenage years. She lost her brother when she was 13, and her mother later battled and beat breast cancer. Dali has spoken publicly about how these experiences strengthened her mentally and helped shape the resilient character she brings to football.
She began playing football at the age of 6 and joined the youth setup at Olympique Lyonnais at the age of 11. It was at Lyon where she developed her technical foundation as a midfielder, training in one of the strongest women’s football environments in Europe.
Path to Soccer
Dali’s rise through the ranks began in the Lyon academy, where she progressed into the club’s reserve team competing in D3 Féminine, the third level of women’s football in France. She signed her first professional contract at age 16, although opportunities with Lyon’s senior side were limited. After three years in the system, Dali chose to leave in search of regular first-team football.
Her pathway continued with stints that gave her crucial playing time and experience at senior level. Each move, from her early professional steps at Lyon to her transitions across French football, helped her grow into a player capable of performing on the biggest stages.
By the time she earned her first senior call-up to the France national team in 2014, Dali had already built a strong foundation in French club football, which allowed her to step into international football with confidence.
Kenza Dali Career
Early Career (2009–2011)
Dali spent the majority of her time at Lyon playing for the club’s reserve team in D3 Féminine. Although she signed her first professional contract at 16, she featured in only one match for Lyon’s first team. Eager for more playing time, she departed Lyon after three years with the club.
On 25 July 2010, Dali signed with Rodez, where she made a total of 24 appearances across all competitions during the 2010–2011 season. Her performances at Rodez attracted the attention of a bigger club, and she subsequently transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in 2011.
Paris Saint-Germain Era (2011–2016)
Dali joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2011 and went on to spend five seasons at the club, becoming a familiar figure in the team’s midfield. She made 89 league appearances during her time with PSG, contributing regularly in a competitive domestic environment.
Her final campaign with PSG was disrupted by a knee injury that kept her sidelined for the first half of the season. Despite the setback, her five-year spell at the club helped establish her as one of the established midfielders in the Division 1 Féminine.
Lyon Return and Loans (2016–2019)
In the summer of 2016, Dali returned to her training club Olympique Lyonnais. She made her league debut against ASJ Soyaux-Charente on 11 September 2016. However, nine days later she injured her knee and required surgery, followed by a second operation. The recovery made it difficult for her to secure a regular place in the Lyon squad.
Looking for minutes, Dali was loaned out to Lille on 17 January 2018. After her loan expired, she did not return to Lyon and instead joined Dijon in 2018, debuting against Montpellier HSC on 25 August 2018. The move marked the end of her second spell at Lyon and the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
West Ham United Era (2019–2021)
On 25 July 2019, Dali was announced as a West Ham United player, beginning her career in English football. She made her league debut against Arsenal on 8 September 2019 and quickly adapted to the Women’s Super League. She scored her first league goal for the club on 13 October 2019, converting a penalty in the 70th minute against Brighton.
Dali spent two seasons with West Ham United, becoming a key midfielder for the club in the WSL. On 21 May 2021, she was released by the Hammers, opening the door for her next move in English football.
Everton Era (2021–2022)
On 1 July 2021, Dali signed a two-year contract with Everton. She made her league debut against Manchester City on 4 September 2021 and quickly established herself in the squad. Her first goal for the Toffees came in the Women’s FA Cup on 27 February 2022, when she scored in the 34th minute against Charlton Athletic.
Across her time at Everton, Dali made 27 appearances in all competitions before departing the club in August 2022. Her performances in the WSL had begun to attract attention from across the league, and her next move reflected her growing reputation.
Aston Villa Era (2022–2025)
After her stints with West Ham and Everton, Dali had originally planned to leave England. However, a conversation with manager Carla Ward changed her mind, and she signed a contract with Aston Villa on 5 August 2022. She marked her club debut with a goal, helping Aston Villa beat Manchester City 4–3 at Villa Park in September 2022.
Within her first seven months at Aston Villa, Dali recorded 6 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. On 2 June 2023, she signed a new contract with the club until June 2025, with the option of a further year. On 7 February 2024, in the 2023–24 Conti Cup quarterfinal against Brighton, she assisted the equalizing goal, and her team later advanced on penalties. Dali’s time at Villa cemented her status as one of the most productive midfielders in the WSL.
San Diego Wave Era (2025–Present)
Dali joined NWSL club San Diego Wave FC on 24 January 2025, signing a two-year contract. She made her NWSL debut in San Diego’s season opener against Angel City FC, starting and playing 90 minutes. Two games later, she recorded her first Wave assist, setting up Chiamaka Okwuchukwu in a defeat to the Orlando Pride.
She notched her first NWSL goal on 19 April in a 4–1 victory over Racing Louisville FC, scoring directly from a free kick. At the end of April 2025, Dali received her first NWSL Team of the Month accolade alongside French teammate Delphine Cascarino, and she repeated the feat in June 2025. On 18 October 2025, she scored in a 6–1 victory over Chicago Stars FC that clinched a playoff berth for the Wave and set a club record for goals scored in a single match.
Dali ended the 2025 regular season as the only Wave player to start all 26 matches, and she led the team in minutes played as San Diego finished sixth overall. She started and played all 120 minutes of the Wave’s quarterfinal extra-time defeat to the Portland Thorns on 9 November. Although she was one of five players nominated for NWSL Midfielder of the Year, the award was won by Manaka Matsukubo, but Dali did earn a spot on the NWSL Second XI. On 5 March 2026, the Wave announced a contract extension for Dali through the 2027 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Dali is best known for her technical quality in central midfield, her passing range, and her ability to dictate tempo. She is a strong set-piece taker, capable of scoring direct from free kicks, and she combines creative chance creation with a willingness to track back defensively. Her consistency and calmness in possession have made her a reliable midfield presence at every club she has represented.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Dali’s career came during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, when she scored France’s second goal in a 4–0 Round of 16 victory over Morocco. In the subsequent quarterfinal penalty shootout against Australia, she saw her first spot-kick saved by Mackenzie Arnold, was given a retake after Arnold was deemed to have stepped off her line early, and saw her second attempt saved as well, as Australia edged France 7–6. She has also represented France at the 2024 Summer Olympics and was part of the squad that finished as runners-up at the 2024 UEFA Women’s Nations League.
Kenza Dali Career Wins
Kenza Dali has built a career defined more by consistency, longevity, and midfield influence than by trophy hauls highlighted in headlines. She has been part of competitive squads at Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, and the France national team, contributing goals and assists throughout her journey from the French third tier to the NWSL.
Club Highlights
At club level, Dali has been a regular contributor rather than a frequent finalist in recent seasons. With Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain, she experienced top-level French football, and her spells at West Ham United, Everton, and Aston Villa established her as a productive WSL midfielder, where she recorded double-figure assists in her first season at Aston Villa.
Her most recent club chapter has been at San Diego Wave FC, where she led the team in minutes played during the 2025 NWSL regular season and helped the club clinch a playoff berth. She earned two NWSL Team of the Month honors in 2025 and a place on the NWSL Second XI at the end of the season.
International Highlights
With France, Dali has been a consistent presence in the senior squad since 2014, representing the nation at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Summer Olympics. She was part of the France side that finished as runners-up at the 2024 UEFA Women’s Nations League, adding a major final appearance to her international résumé.
Kenza Dali Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kenza Dali is of Algerian descent, with her father having immigrated to France from Algeria at the age of 18. She has spoken about her family background as a key part of her identity, and her cultural roots have been an important influence on her journey in football.
Personal Life
Dali has been open about the personal challenges she faced during her teenage years, including the loss of her brother at age 13 and her mother’s successful battle with breast cancer. She has credited these experiences with strengthening her mentally and shaping her resilience as a professional athlete. Beyond these public reflections, she has kept much of her private life out of the spotlight.
2025 Season Performance
Kenza Dali’s 2025 NWSL season with San Diego Wave FC marked her most productive year in American soccer. She joined the club in January 2025, made her debut in the season opener against Angel City FC, and quickly became a central figure in the team’s midfield. Her first NWSL goal came from a free kick in a 4–1 win over Racing Louisville FC on 19 April.
Her form was recognized with NWSL Team of the Month honors at the end of both April and June 2025, alongside French teammate Delphine Cascarino. On 18 October 2025, Dali scored in a 6–1 victory over Chicago Stars FC that clinched a playoff spot for the Wave and set a club record for goals in a single match. She finished the regular season as the only player on the roster to start all 26 matches, and she led San Diego in total minutes played.
San Diego ended the regular season in sixth place, and Dali started and completed all 120 minutes of the Wave’s quarterfinal extra-time defeat to the Portland Thorns on 9 November. Although the NWSL Midfielder of the Year award went to Manaka Matsukubo, Dali earned a place on the NWSL Second XI and signed a contract extension in March 2026 that will keep her at the Wave through the 2027 season. Heading into the next NWSL campaign, Dali remains a foundational piece of San Diego’s midfield.