Full Breakdown
Daniëlle van de Donk and Delphine Cascarino Join London City Lionesses
1/20/2026, 7:10:17 AM
Daniëlle van de Donk's Return to the Pitch
Daniëlle van de Donk made her long-awaited debut for London City Lionesses on January 14, 2026, after recovering from a significant knee injury that sidelined her for seven months. The 34-year-old midfielder, who previously played for Arsenal and OL Lyonnes, came on as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 victory against Sunderland in the Women’s FA Cup fourth round. Van de Donk expressed her pride in returning to the pitch, stating, “I’ve never been more proud of myself,” and emphasized the challenges she faced during her recovery. This match marked London City’s first win under new head coach Eder Maestre, who praised Van de Donk’s talent and experience.
Match Overview: London City Lionesses vs. Sunderland
In a professional display, London City Lionesses secured their place in the next round of the Women’s FA Cup by defeating Sunderland. The match, held at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground, saw London City dominate possession, with Wassa Sangaré scoring the only goal from a corner kick early in the second half. Despite Sunderland's efforts, including a few attempts on goal, they were unable to equalize. This victory was crucial for London City, who are currently seventh in the Women’s Super League (WSL) after a goalless draw against Liverpool earlier in the month.
Delphine Cascarino's Signing
London City Lionesses announced the signing of French international winger Delphine Cascarino on a three-and-a-half-year deal. Cascarino, 28, joined the club after terminating her contract with San Diego Wave, where she scored seven goals in 34 appearances. Prior to her time in the NWSL, she enjoyed a successful career at OL Lyonnes, winning six UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and nine French league titles. Upon joining London City, Cascarino expressed her excitement about playing in the WSL, stating, “England – for men and women – is the country of football. It’s always been a goal of mine to play in this league.”
Official Statements & Responses
Eder Maestre, the head coach of London City Lionesses, expressed enthusiasm about both Van de Donk's return and Cascarino's signing. He highlighted Van de Donk's resilience and talent, stating, “I like seeing her enjoying playing football again.” Regarding Cascarino, he remarked on her potential impact, saying, “She is a dribbler who can take on players in one-vs-one situations, and she will be very powerful on the wing.”
What's Next for London City Lionesses
Looking ahead, Van de Donk emphasized the team's commitment to improving under Maestre's guidance, stating, “We just want to continue with what we’ve shown today and get better and better each game.” The draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup will take place soon, with London City aiming to build on their recent success as they prepare to face league leaders Manchester City in their next match.
