Crystal Dunn Embarks on a New Chapter with Paris Saint-Germain
Crystal Dunn, the versatile American midfielder, has once again taken a bold step in her illustrious career by joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in January 2023. While this isn’t her first foray into European football—she previously played for Chelsea in 2017, where she won the Women’s Super League—it marks a significant new phase in her life. This time, Dunn isn’t just navigating the challenges of a new league; she’s doing so as a wife, a mother, and a player determined to continue making history in the sport she loves.
A New Era in Dunn’s Career
When Dunn last played overseas, she was a young, rising star with fewer responsibilities. Fast-forward to 2023, and life looks very different. In 2022, she became a mother, an experience she describes as more fulfilling than winning the 2019 World Cup or the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Moving to a new continent with a two-year-old is a daunting task, but Dunn is determined to balance her career and family life. Her husband, who is French, has been a source of support, though Dunn humorously admits that her toddler son is surpassing her in learning the French language. “It’s actually funny. He’s two-and-a-half, going to be three, and he understands so much more than I do,” she shared. “I study his flashcards, but he already knows the words. It’s embarrassing, but he’ll teach me soon!”
A Home Away from Home in France
Dunn’s connection to France runs deeper than just her husband’s roots. Some of the most memorable moments of her career have taken place in the country. In 2019, she played a crucial role in the US Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) World Cup victory, shining in the quarterfinal match against France. More recently, she won an Olympic gold medal in Paris in 2024. For Dunn, France feels like a “home away from home,” a place where she has experienced some of her greatest triumphs. Her move to PSG is not just about continuing her winning streak but also about embracing a new challenge.
Embracing New Challenges
Dunn’s decision to join PSG is a testament to her desire to push herself both on and off the pitch. While she could have chosen to stay in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), she opted for the unfamiliar terrain of France’s Première League. “I’m going to be challenged in such a different way,” she said. “I’m grateful for those moments where I’ve done something different. It brings out a different level in me.” Dunn’s ambition is not just personal; she hopes to contribute to PSG’s quest for glory. Since winning its first top-flight title in 2021, the club has been overshadowed by Lyon, the dominant force in French women’s football. Dunn is eager to help PSG bridge that gap and bring home more trophies.
A New Generation of American Players in Europe
Dunn’s move to PSG is part of a growing trend among American players who are increasingly drawn to European leagues. Over the past decade, the quality of European women’s football has skyrocketed, offering players like Dunn opportunities to test their skills in a more competitive environment. At PSG, Dunn is joined by two of her USWNT teammates, Korbin Albert and Eva Gaetino, who are also part of this new wave of American players abroad. “What you’re seeing is something pretty new,” Dunn remarked. “A handful of players moving overseas at the same time feels like we’re in a new era.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
For Dunn, this new chapter is not just about personal achievement; it’s about setting an example for other players and aspiring athletes. She hopes her journey will inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and pursue opportunities that challenge them to grow. “I’m hopeful that I can inspire other players to pursue whatever part of their career they’re in,” she said. As she embarks on this journey, Dunn is grateful to have her family by her side, especially her young son, who reminds her that life’s greatest adventures are often the ones you don’t plan for. “He’s going to teach me French soon!” she laughed. For Crystal Dunn, the road ahead is filled with promise—both on and off the pitch.
