Ali Riley on NWSL rivalries, her frustrating injury, and representing New Zealand | Friendlies

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On this week's Friendlies, Angel City FC defender and New Zealand National Team captain, Ali Riley, opens up to Sam about her injury that saw her sidelined from the 2024 Paris Olympic. During this emotional conversation, Ali also reveals the story behind her contract situation and her move to Angel City, discusses her deep connection to New Zealand, and opens up about life after football.
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[@jsr3169]

Great show!! Thank you Ali for your vulnerability and honesty in this interview. I’ve learned so much more about NZ National team and your background. Thank you Sam for being us such great content. I’m looking forward to a BFFR and TWG collab. 🎉⚽️❤

[@8pitch]

My absolute favorite episode! Ali's vulnerability is really what makes these interviews so special. Love the show!

[@oshea03]

Ali's the best human. I pray she makes a full recovery and to see her back on the pitch ❤

[@KT-yb3bk]

We love Ali! Angel City really takes care of their players, on the field and off. The support they showed Press during her injury journey and now with Ali, they truly understand the worth of these people, not just as soccer players, but as part of the team as a whole.🖤💕

[@jsp1701]

really appreciated Ali walking the walk to support our community at the WC even after Fifa made it difficult♡ many fascinating insights in this interview! I am one of the many who assumed she is Maori, and appreciate her sharing about and clarifying her relationship to the nation. Best wishes to her for a smooth recovery and healthy future!

[@jsp1701]

ps - I am very curious if/how the ethics which have been prominent within the NWSL are going to be compatible with Iger family ownership. NGL it made me really uncomfortable to know they were gaining power and control in what has historically been a very progressive, bottom-up league. the Igers were literally at the heart of trying to union-bust the writers and working class actors of Hollywood with complete disregard for worker rights and livelihoods. I would hate if Disney gained control over womens futbol and/or broadcasting access, as greed has been consistently demonstrated to be their primary decision-making motivator. how is it that everyone seems okay with this? why were they allowed to buy in??

[@kkrebs1012]

Ali is one of my favorites. Thank you for your truth and vulnerability, I feel for you so much! You are one of the brightest lights in woso and your impact is truly visible! 🎉

[@andscottie]

I'm also a soccer player facing "retirement" (nowhere near pro) because of some hip/nerve pain. Sending you so much love Ali! ❤ You are amazing and I hope you find healing of some capacity!

[@lisapt23]

Love this interview, Ali is such a special person!!!! Not to mention Sam, two amazing people

[@justafan323]

Wow. Did not expect the level of emotions since Ali seems always so upbeat and positive. Kudos to her for her vulnerability. Listening to Sam’s comments of empathy for Ali and Sam’s own struggles with acceptance of her career ending injury breaks my heart. I hope she can find peace soon. ❤

[@genericuser6023]

She's such a good communicator/ charismatic. Special talents for a possible next phase.

[@littleninja22]

Ali is such a gem! And this was a wonderful conversation with heart and humor. Looking forward to the BFFR crossover and I hope Ali can pop back on the Women’s Game again!

[@CarolWilling]

Ali is such a wonderful inspiration for all. Sam, I love your interviews and showcasing leaders in women’s soccer. Thank you 🎉

[@01FozzyS]

And yet another player connected to the FC Gold Pride and Stanford! One of my many favorite players. I remember back in the day when she had the Kelly and Ali (or the other way around?) Show on KZbin with Kelly O. Thanks Sam for another great interview!

[@edbermacedo8924]

i loved this episode!!!! ali really matches sam's energy!

[@Nancy-u2f1i]

Such a good episode. Ali is so passionate and so real. Hope to see her back on the pitch soon

[@zlnun02]

hands down, favorite episode of friendlies. tears were shed, but loved when sam got really excited abt the BFFR and the Women’s Game collab 😭

[@bigdaddybacchus]

What an inspirational conversation between two amazing players being vulnerable about their lives. Most of us go through life perfecting the art of pretending that everything is fine, it's refreshing to see two people willing to point to the elephant in the room and say "this isn't OK, this isn't what I want, I am not happy about this". Also, as an ACFC fan, for me it's not all about the celebs, it's really about the vibe of the games. My whole life, sporting events have always had a strong masculine energy, something that even (especially when I was a kid) felt dangerous. ACFC games feel safe, warm, inviting, inclusive, and joyous, but there is still a tension in the air because we are all there to WATCH THEM WIN. I can't wait to see Ali on the pitch again. I love watching her play, and this is yet another reminder that true leaders inspire others both on and off the field, all the time, like a lighthouse in the storm. Ali is one of those lighthouses for ACFC and our uniquely amazing community, and Sam is the same with this amazing podcast.

[@ericbrown1101]

Ali is an absolute GEM of a human, I love her so much and I'm praying that she overcomes this. BFFR is hysterical! Every episode makes my face hurt. I recommend everyone check it out.

[@chivalozaful]

Great show!! Thank you CAPI Riley for sharing this with us ❤

[@piemacri]

Hoping Ali can get back on the field, her joy is contagious! Another great interview from Sam!

[@brunomiotto9814]

Ali is so lovely, emotional, charismatic and funny person. I wish to love an episode with Sammy, Ali and Sam Kerr. What an amazing podcast episode should had be.

[@user-rt3kf7ru9g]

I will be holding that 43:38 BFFR x The Women's Game crossover promise until the day it finally happens!

[@rosamoran4770]

I visited New Zealand back in 1996. I LOVED the country. It and Australia were on my bucket list for a long time (visited Australia same year). Of all the countries I’ve visited (and there have been quite a few) New Zealand is in the top two or three. The South Island especially has been one of my favorite places and is breathtakingly beautiful.

[@japeri171]

In addition to being a hard-working athlete, Ali is a fantastic human being

[@halodemo8423]

So excited for the Guro Reiten interview

[@thechelseamrdarcy4233]

Ali is absolute class and a legend !

[@jeanlanglois7892]

What a great personality! My only worry about the end of the draft in the new CBA is that maybe some markets that are not LA, NY, Chicago or other major cities have problems recruiting or retaining the best players... not for the fault of the organisation, but because of limited sponsorship or media opportunities of the smaller market

[@FunkyOldMedina]

Capi Ali is THE BEST! We love her So Much!

[@FunkyOldMedina]

Whatever Capi needs.. WE RIDE AT DAWN WITH HER!

[@TheChosenOne42513]

We all excited for Ali Riley Sam mewis ❤❤🎉🎉

[@BriPilar12]

Ali is the best human on the planet!!! Along with Sam 😭😭😭😭

[@HazelJ_Anderson]

Such a great chat ❤

[@natrisp6809]

Great interview, they always are 🥰 Trying to deepen my understanding of the NWSL what does expansion team mean please? 😊

[@brianwca]

Ali, everyone is different, but the only thing that helped me with nerve strain was acupuncture. Some relief would last maybe 24 hours, but then over the course of multiple treatments it eventually totally went away. Hope to see you back on the pitch next season!

[@jaycorona656]

Ali Riley is definitely a true baller.

[@dtdtdtdtification]

love Ali.

[@teresaclement5970]

Thank you for sharing. 43:57

[@tepfeffer]

BFFR - Good Vibes crossover PLEASE

[@alansmithee8831]

Hello Sam. Another interesting chat.

[@magilu11]

Feels like what Ali wants to do is Woso After Dark.

[@anoopgopikala8237]

Nice ❤❤❤

[@barbieguevara1483]

Hey Ali, try to change your matress. That help me with my nerve strain. With a hard surface of rest, the nerves reset and the muscles can relax. And then, go to yoga or cycling, to help your body to decompress all the nerves. ¡Hope to see you on the pitch soon!