The Chicago Red Stars have signed Brazilian national, Julia Bianchi, to a two-year contract. Julia will join the Red Stars for preseason upon approval of her visa application.

“Julia is a talented player. She can play a number of different positions and be effective in each one,” said Red Stars Head Coach, Chris Petrucelli. “She’s proven to be a top player in Brazil, and we expect the same kind of success in the NWSL. She’s still a young player so we’re very excited about her future in Chicago.”

When asked about why she chose to join the Red Stars, Julia said, “It´s a new challenge in my career, I always wanted to play overseas again. I received this proposal from Chicago, I´m very happy, I think this will be very important in my career. It’s a very traditional club in the United States, they had a great season last year, so I’m very happy to be joining the group.”

The dynamic defensive midfielder spent the last two seasons with Brazilian side, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras where she played 77 matches and won three championships (Paulista Cup, Libertadores and Paulista Championship). In 2022 Julia helped the team finish top of the table with a 12-1-2 record, reaching the semifinals in the 2022 Série A1 season. In 2020 when she played for Kindermann in Brazil, Julia scored three goals and recorded five assists. Julia’s performance in 2020 was recognized at the Brasileirão Awards when Julia was awarded best defensive midfielder. The Brazilian national also spent time with Madrid CFF in Spain.

Julia brings extensive international experience as she’s appeared on the under-17, under-20 and full Brazilian national teams throughout her playing career. As a part of the full national team, Julia was called up to represent Brazil in the 2020 Summer Olympics and in 2021, when Brazil participated in the annual SheBelieves Cup, Julia scored a tenacious goal against Canada that helped Brazil finish ahead of the Canadians in the final tournament results.