SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2026) – Bay FC announced today that it has reached an agreement with Juventus FC to extend the club’s loan of forward Cristiana Girelli. The Italian national team legend with remain on loan with Bay FC through June 2027 after a successful start to her NWSL career since coming stateside in March.
“Cristiana has quickly established herself as a leader within our team, both on and off the pitch,” said head coach Emma Coates. “She is a world-class player in the box, but her impact goes far beyond her performances on the field. Her professionalism, work ethic, and leadership have made a tremendous impression on the group, and she sets an example every day through the way she prepares, competes, and supports her teammates. Her first goal for Bay FC this past weekend was a well-deserved reward for the work she has put in since arriving, and we’re delighted to extend her loan and continue building with her as part of this team.”
“Since arriving at Bay FC, I have felt the ambition, resilience, and togetherness of this group every day,” said Girelli. “I’m grateful to my teammates, the staff, and our supporters for making me feel so welcome. Scoring my first goal for the club was a moment of massive joy, but what means most to me is continuing to contribute to this team and helping us push forward together. I’m excited to stay in the Bay and give everything I have for this club.”
Girelli joined Bay FC in February, originally on loan through August 2026. She’s tallied 16 appearances with Bay FC, making her club debut in March against in-state rival Angel City FC. She tallied an assist in each of her first two games and scored her first NWSL goal this past Sunday vs. the Houston Dash, an 89th minute game-winner to help Bay FC to a 1-0 victory at PayPal Park. Her decorated career has spanned over two decades and includes 32 trophies to go with a collection of individual accolades, including three Serie A Golden Boots, 2024-25 Serie A MVP honors and two Italian Female Footballer of the Year awards.
The 2022 Italian Football Hall of Fame inductee has represented her national team for 13 years, including at four European Championships and two World Cups. She helped La Azzurre to a win and draw over Serbia and Sweden in a pair of World Cup Qualifiers earlier in June, securing her squad a spot in this fall’s continental playoffs, which determine the final nations to qualify for next year’s tournament. She’s logged over 120 caps and 62 goals for Italy at the international level.
Girelli and her Bay FC teammates play another Sunday matinee this week, visiting the Washington Spirit in the nation’s capital Aug. 30. Kickoff is set for 9:30 a.m. PT, and the match will broadcast live for a national audience on ESPN2.
