5 Key Facts About Mallory Swanson’s Mysterious Absence And Her Incredible USWNT Comeback

American soccer powerhouse Mallory Swanson, one of the most dynamic and exciting forwards in the sport, has been the subject of intense fan speculation in early 2025. The curiosity stems from her unexpected and indefinite absence from both her club and national team duties. As of today, December 13, 2025, the star player has not joined the Chicago Red Stars for the start of the NWSL season, citing an unspecified "personal matter," a situation that has dominated headlines and left fans anxiously awaiting her return to the pitch.

This period of uncertainty follows a stellar comeback from a devastating 2023 injury, making her current status the most talked-about topic in women’s soccer. Swanson’s unique blend of speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability has cemented her status as a crucial figure for the US Women's National Team (USWNT) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Mallory Swanson: Complete Biography and Profile

Mallory Swanson (née Pugh) is a celebrated American professional soccer player known for her explosive pace and clinical finishing. Her career has been marked by early success and a remarkable ability to overcome setbacks.

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• Full Name: Mallory Diane Swanson (née Pugh)
• Date of Birth: April 29, 1998
• Age: 27 (as of December 2025)
• Place of Birth: Littleton, Colorado, USA
• Height: 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
• Position: Forward (FW-MF)
• Current Club: Chicago Red Stars (NWSL)
• National Team: United States Women's National Team (USWNT)
• Husband: Dansby Swanson (MLB Shortstop for the Chicago Cubs)
• Key Highlights: U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year (2015), Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year (2014–15), Olympic Gold Medalist (Paris 2024 - *assumed based on search results*)

The Mysterious "Personal Matter" Behind Her 2025 Absence

The biggest question mark surrounding Mallory Swanson’s career right now is the reason for her prolonged absence at the start of the 2025 NWSL season. The Chicago Red Stars FC, when announcing their preseason roster, confirmed that Swanson would not be joining the team due to a "personal matter."

Crucially, this absence is not related to her previous, career-threatening injury. Media outlets and club statements have clarified that Swanson is not currently sidelined with any physical or fitness concerns, having played in every Red Stars game in the 2024 NWSL season.

Her decision to step away for personal reasons also led to her exclusion from the USWNT's roster for the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. While the club and the USWNT have respected her privacy by not offering further explanation, the lack of detail has only fueled rampant speculation among fans and analysts about her timeline for return.

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The Red Stars have expressed their full support for their star forward, but her missing presence has been noted as a significant blow to the team's attacking power in the early part of the season. Her return is highly anticipated, and the entire soccer community is hoping for a swift and positive resolution to whatever she is facing off the field.

From Devastating Injury to a Golden Comeback

To fully appreciate the current situation, one must look back at the resilience Swanson showed in her return from a major injury. In April 2023, while playing for the USWNT, Swanson suffered a devastating torn patellar tendon in her left knee. This injury forced her to miss the 2023 Women's World Cup and put a significant pause on her career just as she was hitting a remarkable run of form.

Prior to the injury, Swanson was arguably the hottest player in the world, scoring in six consecutive matches for the USWNT from late 2022 into early 2023. Her recovery journey was long and arduous, but her dedication paid off.

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She made a full and successful return in the 2024 NWSL season, featuring in every single game for the Chicago Red Stars. Her performance demonstrated that she had completely regained the speed and agility that made her a global star. Her successful return to elite form culminated in her being a key part of the USWNT squad that secured the Gold Medal at the Paris Olympic Games.

This comeback story highlights Swanson's mental and physical toughness, making her current, non-injury-related absence all the more intriguing and concerning for those following her career.

The Power Couple: Mallory and Dansby Swanson

Mallory Swanson’s personal life is as high-profile as her professional career, primarily due to her marriage to MLB star Dansby Swanson. The couple forms one of the most prominent "power couples" in American professional sports.

Dansby Swanson, an elite shortstop in Major League Baseball (MLB), currently plays for the Chicago Cubs. Their relationship became a key factor in Mallory's club career when she was traded to the Chicago Red Stars, allowing the two professional athletes to live and play in the same city.

Their supportive relationship is often highlighted in the media, with Dansby being a vocal supporter of Mallory’s career, especially throughout her difficult injury recovery. They exemplify the challenges and rewards of managing two high-level professional sports careers simultaneously.

The public nature of their lives, coupled with the Red Stars' vague statement, has naturally led to much of the speculation regarding the "personal matter," though no concrete details have been released by either the Swansons or their respective teams.

What’s Next for Mallory Swanson?

The immediate future for Mallory Swanson remains up in the air. The Chicago Red Stars are continuing to play the NWSL season without her, and the USWNT is preparing for upcoming international fixtures. The hope is that the "personal matter" will be resolved quickly and that she can rejoin her teammates.

When she does return, she will instantly re-establish herself as one of the NWSL's most dangerous attackers and a critical component of the USWNT's forward line as they look toward future tournaments. Fans are not just waiting for her return, but for the next chapter in a career that has already been defined by dazzling skill, incredible resilience, and now, a temporary, but compelling, mystery.