Clarissa Larisey: A Journey Through Global Women's Football
Clarissa Larisey has rapidly established herself as one of the most dynamic attacking threats in professional women's football. Known for her explosive pace and clinical finishing, her career has seen her traverse multiple continents, competing in some of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Early Career in Canada
Larisey began her competitive journey in Canada's League1 Ontario. In 2018, she played for West Ottawa SC, where she demonstrated her scoring ability by netting three goals in just four appearances. She later moved to Ottawa South United in 2019.
It was during her tenure with Ottawa South United that Larisey produced one of the most remarkable individual performances in the league's history. On May 11, 2019, she scored nine goals in a single match, leading her team to a dominant 13–0 victory over North Mississauga SC.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]European Breakthrough and Success
In May 2021, Larisey transitioned to European football, signing a six-month contract with the Icelandic club Valur in the Úrvalsdeild kvenna (the top tier of Icelandic women's football). After debuting on May 19 against ÍBV, she helped the club secure the league title in 2021.
Dominance in Scotland with Celtic
Following her success in Iceland, Larisey joined the Scottish club Celtic in August 2021. Her impact in the Scottish Women's Premier League was immediate and profound. After debuting against Aberdeen on September 5, she scored her first goal against Motherwell on September 29.
Larisey's efficiency continued into 2022, highlighted by a goal scored just 58 seconds into a match against Hibernian on March 26. She later recorded a hat trick against the same opponent on August 11, 2022. By the time she departed during the 2022–23 season, she was the league's leading scorer, having netted twelve goals in twelve league matches. Her trophy cabinet grew during this period as she won both the League Cup and the Scottish Cup.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Swedish Experience with Häcken
In January 2023, Larisey moved to the Swedish Damallsvenskan (the highest professional league in Sweden) after joining Häcken for a sizable transfer fee. She began her tenure with a pre-season goal against Alingsås IF on January 20, followed by an official debut in a Swedish cup win over Växjö DFF on March 5. Her league debut occurred on March 26 against Djurgården, and she continued to contribute offensively, notably providing a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win over Linköpings FC on May 19.
Transition to the WSL and NWSL
In January 2025, Larisey signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Crystal Palace in the Women's Super League (WSL) for an undisclosed fee. During her time there, her physical capabilities were quantified, recording a top in-match speed of 34.8 km/h (9.67 m/s), marking her as one of the fastest attacking players in the professional game.
Her global journey continued in July 2025 when she transferred permanently to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) to join the Houston Dash. The transfer, for an undisclosed fee, secures her place with the club through the end of the 2027 season. She made her NWSL debut on August 24, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 1–1 draw against Seattle Reign FC.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Top Speed: Recorded at 34.8 km/h (9.67 m/s) during her tenure at Crystal Palace.
- Single-Game Record: Scored nine goals in one match for Ottawa South United in 2019.
- Scottish League Leader: Was the leading scorer in the Scottish Women's Premier League with 12 goals in 12 matches.
- Major Honors: Won the Icelandic league title (2021), the Scottish League Cup, and the Scottish Cup.
- Current Club: Houston Dash (NWSL), contracted through 2027.
Career Summary Table
| Year | Club | League/Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | West Ottawa SC | League1 Ontario (CAN) | 3 goals in 4 appearances |
| 2019 | Ottawa South United | League1 Ontario (CAN) | 9 goals in a single match |
| 2021 | Valur | Úrvalsdeild kvenna (ISL) | League Title Winner |
| 2021–2022 | Celtic | SWPL (SCO) | League Cup & Scottish Cup Winner |
| 2023 | Häcken | Damallsvenskan (SWE) | Sizable transfer fee move |
| 2025 | Crystal Palace | WSL (ENG) | Top speed of 34.8 km/h |
| 2025–2027 | Houston Dash | NWSL (USA) | Permanent transfer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clarissa Larisey's top recorded speed?
While playing for Crystal Palace, Larisey recorded a top in-match speed of 34.8 km/h (9.67 m/s), placing her among the fastest professional attacking players.
Which trophies did she win during her time in Scotland?
During her debut season with Celtic, she won both the League Cup and the Scottish Cup.
How many goals did she score in her final league stretch with Celtic?
She was the leading scorer in the Scottish Women's Premier League at the time of her departure, having scored twelve goals in twelve league matches.
When did she join the Houston Dash?
Larisey joined the Houston Dash in July 2025 on a permanent transfer that runs through the end of the 2027 season.
What was her most prolific single-game performance?
On May 11, 2019, while playing for Ottawa South United, she scored nine goals in a 13–0 victory over North Mississauga SC.