Racing Louisville announced the acquisition on Wednesday of South African midfielder Linda Motlhalo.
The World Cup veteran arrives from Scottish Women's Premier League champion Glasgow City FC for an undisclosed fee.
Motlhalo, 25, signed a two-year contract that includes a mutual option for the 2026 NWSL season.
An African Champion is headed to Louisville! 🇿🇦
— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) January 17, 2024
We’ve signed South African star @MaserameLinda!
"Linda is a great addition to our club, both as a player and person," Racing general manager Ryan Dell said.
"We are really excited to sign a world-class talent who can create and score goals. She already has immense international experience at just 25, and her previous time in the NWSL will help her adjust quickly to our team. We're looking forward to her joining the group and hitting the ground running."
Magical moments from @MaserameLinda are coming soon 👀 pic.twitter.com/4fqTR1vIZJ
— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) January 17, 2024
Motlhalo has scored 20 goals in 72 appearances for the South African national team, including the 2019 and 2023 Fifa Women's World Cups.
She scored South Africa's first goal in a 2-2 draw with Argentina in World Cup group stage action last July in New Zealand.
"I am very excited for the new journey and new challenge that I am about to embark on," Motlhalo said. To be playing in the NWSL for Racing Louisville FC, it is an honour, and I will give absolutely everything I have to help this team win. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I am looking forward to the season."
Ready for a new challenge 👊 pic.twitter.com/U4JstnfG7X
— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) January 17, 2024
See you soon, @MaserameLinda 👋 pic.twitter.com/uMnpkhn6By
— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) January 17, 2024
She previously played in the NWSL with the Houston Dash in 2018 before stints with China's Beijing BG Phoenix (2019), Sweden's Djurgarden (2020-23) and Glasgow City.
At 19, she had one goal in 21 matches with the Dash.