Nadine Riesen laced up her boots at London Stadium for the first time last week, the crisp morning air carrying the hum of new beginnings. The 26-year-old Swiss defender has officially joined West Ham United Women on a three-year deal, arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt with a track record forged in two of Europe’s most competitive leagues. Her signing marks another bold step for manager Rita Guarino, who is reshaping her squad with precision and vision. In a sport where momentum often hinges on both talent and belief, Riesen brings both in abundance.
Women’s football continues to rise globally, not just in visibility but in the depth of opportunity it offers athletes to grow, compete, and inspire. The Women’s Super League, now recognized as one of the world’s elite competitions, is at the heart of that shift. West Ham’s pursuit of players like Riesen signals their commitment to being more than participants—they aim to be contenders. With 42 caps for Switzerland and experience in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Riesen isn’t just joining a club; she’s stepping into a project with ambition woven into its foundation.
Between 2023 and 2026, Riesen made 69 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Frauen-Bundesliga, a testament to her consistency and resilience at the highest level of German football. She scored a crucial goal for Switzerland against Norway during Euro 2025, one of four matches she played in the tournament on home soil. Since her international debut in 2019, she has become a mainstay in the Swiss defense, known for her pace, work rate, and attacking instincts from the full-back position. Guarino praised those qualities explicitly, calling Riesen’s “never-say-die attitude” a perfect fit for the team’s evolving culture.
Riesen is West Ham’s fourth summer signing, following the arrivals of Katie Zelem, Constance Picaud, and Laia Codina—each addition strengthening different facets of the squad. But Riesen’s versatility and international experience may prove especially valuable as the Hammers prepare for a demanding season. Off the pitch, she speaks warmly of the club’s atmosphere, describing it as “already feeling like a family.”
As the new season approaches, the energy around the team is palpable. Riesen isn’t just adapting to a new league—she’s embracing a chance to grow, to challenge herself, and to help build something lasting. In her own words, this move is about continuing to do what she loves most. And for fans watching closely, that passion is exactly what makes the future so bright.