Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Red Stars announced the signing of Canadian Women’s National Team (CANWNT) midfielder, Julia Grosso, to a three-year contract through the 2026 season. Grosso, recently named to the Canadian Women’s Olympic Soccer Team roster, will join the Red Stars following the Olympics and receipt of her P-1 Visa.

“I’m happy to welcome Julia to Chicago,” said Chicago Red Stars general manager Richard Feuz. “Julia’s experience with Juventus FC, and internationally with Canada, will be a crucial addition to our midfield. Her background with a top European club, combined with her knowledge of North American soccer, will help strengthen the backbone of our team as we strive to reach new heights.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Red Stars and can’t wait to hit the field every weekend and give it my all,” said Grosso. “I’ve heard that Red Star fans are super passionate, so I’m excited to be a part of that. I’m looking forward to playing alongside the talented players in Chicago for the rest of the season and beyond!”

Grosso debuted in the Canadian system at 13 years old for the Canadian Under-15 Women’s National Team in 2014 and progressed through under-17 and under-20 national teams. She earned her first senior CANWNT call-up ahead of two friendlies against the United States in November 2017, recording her first cap on November 12, 2017. The Vancouver native was named to Canada’s 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad but did not play before Canada exited in the round of 16.

As part of CANWNT's roster for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Grosso scored the penalty kick that won Canada the gold medal. In 2022, she scored three goals in the CONCACAF W Championship tournament; her first two goals came as a brace against Trinidad and Tobago while her third goal against Panama secured CANWNT's qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In 2024, Grosso has appeared in five of Canada’s nine matches, converting a penalty kick in an April shootout against the United States and starting most recently in a June friendly against Mexico.

On a club level, Grosso joins Chicago from Juventus FC of Italy's Serie A Women’s League. She spent three seasons with Juventus winning several titles including the 2022 Copa Italia, Serie A league title, and Supercopa. In her second season with Juventus, she was named Serie A Midfielder of the Season scoring four goals across 34 matches. Over her tenure at Juventus, she made 76 appearances and scored ten goals. Prior to this stint in Italy, she played collegiate soccer at University of Texas where she netted 21 goals over 60 appearances for Longhorns between 2018-2021.

During this Olympic break period, Red Stars will participate in Summer Cup starting July 20 facing NJ/NY Gotham FC for their first group match. Tickets are available now at chicagoredstars.com/tickets.