Episode Details

The Utah Royals have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 NWSL season, and defender Janni Thomsen has been in the middle of it all.

Thomsen joins host Jillian Sakovits for a conversation looking back at growing up in a small Danish town and playing on boys’ youth teams despite ridicule from other families. They also discuss how Thomsen found her way to Utah in 2025 after her partner, Norwegian international Elise Thorsnes, played there several years earlier, as well as how the Scandinavian couple is preparing to welcome their first child. Then, Jillian breaks down what to expect from the UEFA Women’s Champions League final between FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes on Saturday.

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUEST: Janni Thomsen

This podcast was produced by The Athletic.

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Referenced on the show:

Is Barcelona versus OL Lyonnes the UEFA Women’s Champions League’s greatest rivalry?

Utah Royals are on a seven-match unbeaten streak. Are they the NWSL’s new protagonists?

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