Mallory Swanson Career History, Stats, Net Worth and Achievements
Mallory Swanson (born June 29, 1998, as Mallory Pugh) is a top-tier forward in women’s soccer, playing for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL and being a key figure for the US Women’s National Team (USWNT). Her journey from youth star to international icon is filled with high-impact goals, groundbreaking contracts, and a compelling personal story.
Early Life and Background
Swanson grew up in Littleton, Colorado, where she began her soccer career in youth leagues and quickly rose through the ranks. She made her USWNT debut as a teenager, demonstrating her prodigious talent early on. Her speed, composure, and technical ability earned her recognition as one of the most promising young forwards in U.S. soccer.
Professional & International Career
Swanson joined the Chicago Red Stars in 2021. In a landmark move in 2024, she signed a **multi-year deal** with the Red Stars — a contract reportedly worth over **$2 million**, making it one of the most lucrative in NWSL history. [oai_citation:0‡The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/16/mallory-swanson-signs-reported-2m-contract-with-chicago-red-stars?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
On the international stage, Swanson has been a consistent presence for the USWNT. She was part of the squad that won the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and has since contributed in major tournaments. [oai_citation:1‡ESPN.com](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39321029/uswnt-swanson-nwsl-top-paid-player-new-red-stars-deal?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Playing Style and Strengths
Swanson is known for her pace, agility, and ability to beat defenders in 1-on-1 situations. She is a clinical finisher, but also smart in her movement — able to drop deep, link up play, and provide assists. Her work rate on and off the ball makes her effective in high-pressing systems.
Career Stats
- NWSL (Chicago Red Stars): 50+ appearances, 15+ goals (estimate based on recent seasons) [oai_citation:2‡denvergazette.com](https://www.denvergazette.com/2024/01/16/colorados-mallory-swanson-signs-most-lucrative-contract-in-nwsl-history-5798df9e-b4ba-11ee-9879-6bdef4177070/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- USWNT: Dozens of caps, with more than 30 international goals (per ESPN reporting) [oai_citation:3‡ESPN.com](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39321029/uswnt-swanson-nwsl-top-paid-player-new-red-stars-deal?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Major Achievements
- FIFA Women’s World Cup Winner (2019) [oai_citation:4‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallory_Swanson?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Olympic Gold Medalist (2024) with the USWNT [oai_citation:5‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallory_Swanson?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Signed the longest NWSL contract at the time, setting a new salary standard in the league [oai_citation:6‡Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackiegutierrez/2024/01/17/mallory-swanson-signs-historic-deal-with-chicago-red-stars/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Named to NWSL Best XI (2022) [oai_citation:7‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallory_Swanson?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Net Worth & Endorsements
Swanson’s reported contract with the Red Stars is a four-year deal (with an optional fifth year), putting her total earnings at around **$2 million+**. [oai_citation:8‡The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/16/mallory-swanson-signs-reported-2m-contract-with-chicago-red-stars?utm_source=chatgpt.com) According to Forbes, she is among the highest-paid players in the NWSL. [oai_citation:9‡Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/profile/mallory-swanson/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
In addition, she has endorsement partnerships that add to her income. As her star continues to rise, her commercial value is expected to grow, especially with her high profile on the USWNT.
Personal Life
Swanson married MLB shortstop Dansby Swanson (Chicago Cubs) in December 2022. [oai_citation:10‡ESPN.com](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39321029/uswnt-swanson-nwsl-top-paid-player-new-red-stars-deal?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The couple are well-known in the sports world and often support each other’s careers. They recently announced they are expecting their first child. [oai_citation:11‡New York Post](https://nypost.com/2025/05/08/sports/mallory-dansby-swanson-husband-announce-pregnancy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
She has also faced challenges: following a knee injury, she took time off, and in early 2025, she publicly stepped away from Red Stars training camp for personal reasons. [oai_citation:12‡Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/redstars/comments/1ic5m0j?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Physical Profile
Swanson is a powerful forward with great acceleration and strength. Her physical attributes allow her to fight off defenders, maintain balance in duels, and make dynamic attacking runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What position does Mallory Swanson play? Forward / Winger.
- What club does she play for? Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL.
- How long is her contract? A long-term deal through 2028, with a possible fifth year. [oai_citation:13‡Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackiegutierrez/2024/01/17/mallory-swanson-signs-historic-deal-with-chicago-red-stars/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Is she married? Yes, to MLB star Dansby Swanson.
Legacy and Influence
Mallory Swanson’s career history, stats, net worth and achievements place her among the most influential and high-impact players in women’s soccer today. Her contract, international pedigree, and off-field presence make her a major figure in the growth of the NWSL and the USWNT.

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