Leilanni Nesbeth Bio
Leilanni Iris Nicole Nesbeth, born on 17 July 2001, is a Bermudian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Chicago Stars FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and represents the Bermuda national team. Standing 1.63 m tall, she wears the number 13 jersey for Chicago Stars FC and has built a reputation as a composed, hard-working central player. She played college soccer for the Florida State Seminoles, where she contributed to two national championship runs before turning professional in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Leilanni Nesbeth was raised in St. David’s Island, Bermuda, where her early exposure to the game shaped her development as a footballer. Growing up in a tight-knit island community, she quickly stood out among her peers for her technical skill, vision, and passion for the sport. Those early years on local pitches laid the groundwork for what would become a career that has taken her across two continents.
As a teenager, Nesbeth moved to England to further both her education and her football training. She attended Bede’s Senior School, a private boarding school in East Sussex known for combining academic study with a strong sporting programme. The English school environment gave her a higher level of competition and helped refine her tactical understanding of the game, preparing her for the demands of elite-level play.
Path to Soccer
Nesbeth’s professional pathway began in 2017 when, at just sixteen years old, she signed with Brighton & Hove Albion’s women’s section. Playing for Brighton gave her first-team experience in English football and exposed her to the speed, physicality, and tactical discipline required at the senior club level. Although her time at Brighton was brief, it served as a critical stepping stone in her development as a midfielder.
Following her stint in England, Nesbeth accepted a scholarship to Florida State University in the United States, joining one of the most storied women’s college soccer programmes in the country. She enrolled at Florida State and played for the Seminoles from 2019 through 2023, lining up as both a forward and a midfielder. Her time in the Atlantic Coast Conference sharpened her competitive edge and positioned her for a shot at the professional ranks.
Leilanni Nesbeth Career
Florida State Era (2019–2023)
During her five seasons at Florida State University, Nesbeth became an important contributor for the Seminoles. She was twice named to the All-ACC second team, a recognition reserved for the conference’s most consistent performers. Her versatility allowed Florida State coaches to deploy her in multiple roles across the front line and central midfield.
The highlight of her college career came in the form of two national championship medals. She won NCAA Championships with Florida State in 2021 and 2023, establishing herself as a winner on the biggest stage in American college soccer. Those titles cemented her legacy in Tallahassee and provided a strong platform for her transition to the professional game.
Chicago Stars FC Era (2024–Present)
After completing her time at Florida State, Nesbeth declared for the 2024 NWSL Draft and was selected tenth overall by the Chicago Red Stars, a club later rebranded as Chicago Stars FC. She signed a three-year contract with the franchise in 2024, signalling the club’s long-term belief in her abilities. The move to Chicago marked her official entry into full-time professional soccer.
In her debut NWSL campaign, Nesbeth slotted into the midfield rotation and quickly adapted to the pace and physical demands of the American top flight. Wearing the number 13 shirt, she provided energy, ball-winning, and distribution in central areas. Her contract runs through 2027, giving both player and club several seasons to build on a promising start.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although a midfielder rather than a driver, Nesbeth’s craft is built on sharp passing, intelligent positioning, and a willingness to do the defensive work that allows more attack-minded players to flourish. Her time at Florida State helped her develop a strong tactical understanding, and her early professional experience at Brighton gave her a foundation in the English style of play. Coaches have valued her composure under pressure and her ability to link defence and attack.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Nesbeth’s signature achievements are her back-to-back NCAA titles with Florida State in 2021 and 2023, her top-ten selection in the 2024 NWSL Draft, and her senior international debut during the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship qualification. Each milestone reflects a steady, step-by-step rise through every level of the women’s game.
Leilanni Nesbeth Career Wins
Across her career to date, Leilanni Nesbeth has collected two NCAA national championships with Florida State, earned two All-ACC second team honours, and represented Bermuda at youth and senior international levels. While her professional club trophy cabinet is still in its early stages, her college pedigree and her status as a top-ten NWSL Draft pick underline a winning track record built on consistent performance.
College and Club Highlights
Nesbeth’s most celebrated moments so far have come in a Florida State shirt. She was part of the Seminoles sides that lifted the NCAA Championship trophy in 2021 and again in 2023, anchoring the team in central areas during both title runs. Her two All-ACC second team selections reflect her standing as one of the conference’s most reliable midfielders during those years.
International Performances
On the international stage, Nesbeth has represented Bermuda at the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship and the 2020 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship. She made her senior debut during the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship qualification, becoming one of the young faces of the Bermudian women’s national team as it continues to develop.
Leilanni Nesbeth Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Leilanni Nesbeth was raised in St. David’s Island, Bermuda. Further verified details about her parents and broader family background are not publicly available through the sources reviewed for this profile.
Personal Life
Off the pitch, Nesbeth is known to keep her personal life largely private, with no publicly confirmed details regarding a spouse, partner, or children. She has spoken about her pride in representing Bermuda, a small island nation whose athletes continue to make their presence felt across global sport. Her professional commitments currently keep her based in the United States with Chicago Stars FC.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 NWSL season, Leilanni Nesbeth is in the early stages of her three-year contract with Chicago Stars FC and is expected to take on a larger role in the midfield. With a full preseason under her belt and a better understanding of the league’s rhythms, she is well placed to build on her debut campaign and contribute more regularly in central areas. The club’s longer-term project makes her development a key part of the Stars’ identity.
On the international side, Nesbeth remains a fixture for the Bermuda national team as the programme continues to gain valuable experience at the senior level. Her leadership at a young age, combined with her top-level club minutes, positions her as a bridge between Bermuda’s emerging youth players and the senior setup. Consistent performances in Chicago will only strengthen her importance to both club and country.
With the Chicago Stars continuing their rebrand and roster build, and with her contract running through 2027, the 2025 season represents an important opportunity for Nesbeth to establish herself as a long-term midfield cornerstone. Her blend of English tactical grounding, American college pedigree, and Bermudian pride gives her a unique profile within the NWSL, and fans in Chicago will be watching her progress closely.