Kenza Dali, the esteemed midfielder for the San Diego Wave, continues to defy expectations as she embarks on her 17th professional season. Her unwavering passion for football remains as vibrant as ever, coupled with a physical prowess that belies her age. Dali's journey with the Wave has been marked by significant contributions, leadership, and a steadfast dedication to the sport she adores. Her story is one of enduring commitment and the profound impact of veteran experience in a dynamic athletic environment.
Kenza Dali's Enduring Influence and the San Diego Wave's Evolving Strategy
In the vibrant atmosphere of Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, Kenza Dali, wearing jersey number 10 for the San Diego Wave FC, celebrated a hard-fought victory against the Utah Royals on March 22, 2025. Her presence on the field throughout the 2025 NWSL season was nothing short of monumental. Dali, a 34-year-old veteran, not only led her team in minutes played, accumulating an impressive 2,247, but also tied for the highest goal count with five successful strikes. Her exceptional performance earned her a coveted spot in the NWSL Second XI and a nomination for the prestigious NWSL Midfielder of the Year award. Furthermore, the fervent supporters of the San Diego Sirens recognized her unparalleled dedication by voting her their Player of the Year.
Dali's profound appreciation for her profession shines through in her words: "I feel incredibly fortunate, first and foremost, because I believe I have the most fulfilling job in the world. Every single day, I am thankful for the opportunity to train, to be in good health, and to continue pursuing what I love."
The 2025 season witnessed a remarkable resurgence for the San Diego Wave, who adopted a fresh offensive approach despite a challenging 2024 campaign and the departure of key players like Naomi Girma, Jaedyn Shaw, and Alex Morgan. Under the astute guidance of head coach Jonas Eidevall and anchored by Dali's commanding presence in midfield, the Wave implemented a high-possession, aggressive pressing strategy, complemented by dynamic wing play. This innovative style often caught their NWSL rivals off guard, leading to significant success.
Reflecting on the team's evolution, Dali emphasized the complexity of building a distinct team identity: "Establishing an identity is one of the most demanding aspects of football. It’s not something that happens in one, two, or even three seasons. It requires much more time. Our immediate priority is fostering mutual understanding among the players. The fortunate aspect is that we have the time to do so."
Throughout the season, Dali's teammates consistently lauded her contributions, both for her technical prowess and her exemplary leadership. Kennedy Wesley, a center-back for the Wave, highlighted Dali's crucial role in mentoring younger players: "Dali brings an immense wealth of experience, both on and off the field, and I find that incredibly impactful. This is particularly true for our younger players transitioning directly from college or even those who are younger. She serves as an outstanding model of what true leadership and experience entail. We are incredibly fortunate to have her among us."
Despite her individual achievements and the team’s collective triumphs, Dali candidly described 2025 as one of the most personally isolating seasons of her career, as she navigated life far from her homeland. "European players often discuss this," Dali shared. "The challenges are often underestimated. Maintaining regular contact with family and friends becomes difficult due to the significant nine-hour time difference. You truly have to learn to embrace self-reliance."
Following the summer international break, San Diego encountered a difficult period, securing only one victory in ten matches upon their return. Dali viewed this challenging stretch as an invaluable learning experience for the team. "We deliberated with Coach Eidevall on how to prevent a similar downturn at the close of the season," Dali explained. "The NWSL is incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. If you observe the successful teams, they strategically integrated crucial players during the summer break. It highlights the importance of a well-defined strategy."
The upcoming NWSL season promises new obstacles for Dali, as several foundational players, including Kailen Sheridan, Delphine Cascarino, Hanna Lundkvist, and Savannah McCaskill, departed during the offseason. "They are exceptional individuals, so naturally, there's a sense of sadness," Dali remarked. "I often tell my teammates that I spend more time with them than with my own family. We share emotions and experiences. However, such changes are an inherent part of football."
Dali expressed her commitment to the present roster: "Individuals like Delphine Cascarino and Kailen Sheridan are genuine friends, and I am certain our paths will cross again. My current focus is on welcoming our new additions and supporting our returning players, ensuring they feel comfortable, and collectively building something extraordinary once more."
The "French Connection" within the Wave, comprising Dali and Perle Morroni, is set to continue for at least another season, with both players signed through 2026. While Sheridan's departure creates a void in leadership, prompting discussions about the next team captain, Dali affirmed that an armband would not alter her approach. "My aspiration is to lead by example through my actions on the field, my conduct, my training regimen, and my unwavering work ethic," Dali asserted. "That is the kind of leader I strive to be. I don't aim to be the loudest voice in the locker room. I lead by demonstrating, and I hope my teammates find inspiration in that."
The San Diego Wave is scheduled to commence their preseason at the Coachella Valley Invitational in two weeks, before kicking off their 2026 NWSL campaign on Saturday, March 14, against the Houston Dash.
Kenza Dali's journey in professional football offers a compelling narrative of resilience, leadership, and an enduring passion for the game. Her perspective on experience as an invaluable asset, coupled with her commitment to mentoring younger players, underscores the profound impact veteran athletes can have on a team's culture and success. The San Diego Wave, under her influence, is not merely building a team but forging a cohesive unit with a distinct identity, ready to navigate the challenges and triumphs of the NWSL. Dali's story is a testament to the power of dedication and the beauty of a career spent pursuing one's true calling.