The Washington Spirit has transferred midfielder Rebeca Bernal to Manchester United W.F.C. of England’s Women’s Super League, the clubs announced today. The Spirit received an undisclosed transfer fee with conditional add-ons in return. With the move, Bernal is set to become the first Mexican player in Women’s Super League history. You can look at the Spirit’s update roster and latest departures HERE.
“We’re appreciative of Rebeca’s valuable contributions to this club over the past year and a half,” said Sporting Director James Hocken. “She played a key role in helping the Spirit win last year’s Challenge Cup and make our second consecutive NWSL final. She has helped set the professional standard at the Spirit and we look forward to following her success in England.”
Bernal joined the Spirit in February 2025 in a transfer from Liga MX Femenil’s C.F. Monterrey. Across her year and a half in DC, the defensive specialist appeared in 50 total matches and tallied nearly 4,000 minutes of playing time in a Spirit kit. Bernal also tallied three goals for Washington and helped the Spirit take victory in two penalty shootouts during her tenure. In her first club appearance in the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup, Bernal converted her penalty attempt as the Spirit would go on to top the Orlando Pride for its second trophy in club history. In that same year’s NWSL Playoffs, Bernal again connected on a penalty shootout attempt to help Washington advance past Racing Louisville FC in the quarterfinal round.
“I’m endlessly grateful to the Spirit organization and the DC fans who have welcomed me from day one and given me an amazing two seasons,” said Bernal. “I didn’t know what to expect coming here from Mexico and my time here has been filled with nothing but great memories, lasting friendships and some incredible wins at Rowdy Audi. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, staff and all our supporters who have made an impact on me. DC is a special place.”
The Spirit will take the pitch at Audi Field next on Sunday, September 13 when the side hosts expansion side Boston Legacy FC. Kicking off at 1 p.m. EDT, the match will be Washington’s annual Spirit & Paws Day as the club welcomes fans and their furry friends. Tickets are available at WashingtonSpirit.com/tickets.
Photo: Eyoel Fassil