Becoming NWSL’s Highest Paid Player Rocked Mal Swanson’s Confidence- “That’s Not Who I’m”

Do you remember the familiar Spiderman quote, “With great power comes great responsibility?” Well, soccer has a unique touch to the generational line. Here we call it, “With great money comes great responsibility!” Over the years, multiple players in the United States have signed big-money deals that have shot them to instant fame. However, the new popularity comes with additional pressure as fans expect you to deliver day in and out. Well, NWSL‘s new poster girl, Mal Swanson, is no different!

Notably, Mallory Swanson penned a blockbuster deal with the Chicago Reds earlier in January, becoming the highest-paid player in the league for the upcoming season. However, it seems like the American striker is not used to the sudden fame as she talked about the increase in scrutiny during an interview with The Women’s Games’ Sam Mewis.

Mal Swanson, during the interview, stated, “I feel like there’s a time where it was like oh and then like all the eyes were on me. This was being said that was being said and then I feel like that kind of started getting to me. I was like, that’s not who I am, and that’s not me. So I then, I feel like the past few years I’ve like learned kind of like how to handle that.”

The USWNT star has seen her stock rise lately with impressive performances for her NWSL franchise. With the player entering the final years of her contract last season, it seems like the last thing Chicago wanted was to lose the player. What came next was a massive record for NWSL across the board!

Mal Swanson etches her name in history

The Chicago Reds striker made history this season as she penned a $2 million deal with the franchise, becoming the highest-paid player in the league this season. According to reports, Swanson has penned a four-year deal with the franchise, with the player holding the option to extend her contract by a year. The striker is expected to make $400,000 per season, excluding bonuses and other incentives.

READ MORE: Ali Krieger Labels Historic NWSL Triumph a Distraction – “I Was Putting Everything On The Back Burner”

Mal Swanson joined the Reds in 2021 after she was traded to the club by NY/NJ Gotham FC. Ever since joining her new club, the 25-year-old has grown leaps and bounds, becoming one of the top players for her team. Swanson is set to make a comeback in the team’s season opener against Utah Royals on March 17th. Are you excited about her comeback?

READ MORE: Mia Fishel Injury: USWNT Fans Enraged at Alex Morgan For Her ‘Mysterious’ Reaction in Deleted Tweet