Racing Louisville FC added another formidable forward to its ranks with the signing of Chinese national team star Wang Shuang, the club announced Wednesday, after acquiring Wang’s NWSL playing rights via a trade with OL Reign.
Wang – her full name is pronounced “Wong Shwong” – signed through the 2023 season. The 2018 Asian Women’s Footballer of the Year and three-time Chinese player of the year will be available for selection Friday when Racing plays away to the Houston Dash.
Wang, 27, moved to Racing from her hometown club, Wuhan Jianghan University FC, where she won back-to-back Chinese Women’s Super League titles in 2020 and 2021.
“We are excited to welcome Wang Shuang to Racing Louisville, and we thank her former club for working with us to make this singing happen,” said coach Kim Björkegren. “We expect that Wang will help us with assists and goals, of course, but at the end of the day we also believe she will help us achieve better results. She fits into this group as a team-first player. We can’t wait to see what she can do in our shirt.”
Wang, a left-footed attacker, also previously played for French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances across all competitions. She was teammates there with Racing star Nadia Nadim.
“This is my third spell playing outside China, and I am very excited by the new challenge ahead of me,” Wang said. “I am grateful for Racing Louisville’s help over the recent days, and the team have all been so helpful as I adapt to the new environment. Kim has spoken to me about the team, and I am excited to join such a young group that can keep improving. It’s an honor to be a part of the club, and I really hope that I can play a part in bringing success here in Louisville.”
A dynamic dribbler, passer and scorer, Wang has tallied 39 goals in 117 appearances for China’s national team after making her debut at 17 years old. China won the 2022 Asian Cup earlier this year as Wang tied for second in tournament scoring with five goals, trailing only Australia’s Sam Kerr, who had seven.
Wang started in each of China’s four 2019 World Cup matches, helping her squad reach the Round of 16 in France. She was also part of the 2015 World Cup team.
