French midfielder Kenza Dali is opening up about a rocky year—being left out of France’s Euro 2025 squad, her abrupt exit from Aston Villa, and her fresh start with San Diego Wave in the NWSL. She hints at deeper, untold stories ("a lot of lies") but says the move to San Diego reignited her passion for football after a tough period.

Editor’s Note: Dali’s candidness about setbacks and revival highlights the emotional rollercoaster elite athletes face—especially women navigating club politics, international snubs, and career pivots. Her story resonates beyond sports; it’s about resilience, reinvention, and calling out untruths in an industry where players’ voices often get sidelined.