Chicago Red Stars sign Maitane López

The Chicago Red Stars, who will operate as Chicago Stars FC beginning in 2025, have finally made their first addition of the offseason as they look to build on their 2024 playoff berth.

Chicago signed Maitane López to a two-year contract after the midfielder spent the past two seasons with Gotham FC, including their NWSL Championship-winning campaign in 2023.

“I’m beyond excited to start this new chapter of my career with the Chicago Red Stars,” López said in the announcement. “I’m looking forward to building with this club and meeting the fans! I’mready to give my all, grow as a player and help the team achieve titles.”

López made 31 appearances in all competitions and collected a single goal over her two seasons of playing home matches at Red Bull Arena. Before Gotham, López played for Atlético Madrid Femenino, Levante, and Real Sociedad over 11 seasons in Spain.

“We are very excited to have Maitane join us at the Chicago Red Stars,” said general manager Richard Feuz in the announcement. “Maitane’s technical skills, coupled with her experience at Gotham and in Liga F, gives us more reinforcement in the midfield and bolsters our roster ahead of the 2025 season.”

Chicago needed midfield depth after a 2024 season in which it was exploited at times due to a lack of options in the middle of the pitch. Maitane López has experience all over the pitch and can provide the type of edge that Lorne Donaldson loves to have in his midfield.