Hollywood Rise (Claire Emslie)

Scotland forward Claire Emslie discusses her remarkable journey from working behind a bar in Bristol to becoming a leading light at Angel City FC, the NWSL’s celebrity-backed Los Angeles club. She recounts brushes with co-founder Natalie Portman and actor Jennifer Garner, the new ownership and facilities that convinced her to sign a fresh contract, and how a difficult Covid-hit spell at Orlando Pride led her back to Everton before her Angel City move revived her career. Emslie reflects candidly on American sporting culture’s embrace of individuality compared to home, her status as the club’s all-time leading scorer, playing alongside teammates like Alyssa Thompson and Ali Riley, and life with husband and chef Jonny Marsh in the San Fernando Valley. A rich, wide-ranging portrait of a player thriving far from Penicuik.