Bethi swaps France for NWSL move

From Saint-Étienne to the States

French-Algerian forward Mélissa Bethi is heading stateside after sealing a deal with a major NWSL club - a bold step for a player still only 20 years old.

Bethi's journey began at FCO Firminy in her hometown before she moved into the youth setup at OL. A loan spell at Metz followed, and then came a permanent switch to FC Nantes, where she truly announced herself on the senior stage.

Breakout season at Nantes

The 2025-2026 campaign proved to be the launchpad. Bethi was outstanding for Nantes, performing consistently enough to earn a place in the Arkema Première Ligue's team of the season - no small feat for a player of her age, as Footeuses reports.

International ambitions

Her trajectory is not slowing down. Bethi is also set to represent Algeria at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, adding international pedigree to an already impressive CV.

The NWSL move represents the next frontier for a talent whose rapid ascent suggests the best is very much still ahead.

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