Sydney Leroux makes comeback for Angel City after 518-day mental health hiatus

After more than a year away for mental-health reasons, Sydney Leroux returned to Angel City Football Club, entering the match against Washington Spirit in the 92nd minute before a crowd of 18,089 at BMO Stadium. The club announced her activation to the roster ahead of the game, noting she had been training with the squad for weeks. Interim head coach Leif Smerud said the timing allowed the team to exploit her box presence, while defender Savy King lauded Leroux's impact on team morale and her recovery journey.

Leroux's leave, taken under the NWSL collective bargaining agreement, sparked league-wide discussions about athlete mental health and eating disorders, topics she has publicly addressed. The 36-year-old, a former USWNT international, remains under contract through 2027 and is expected to be available for the rest of the season.