KC Current signs Danish defender Stine Ballisager Pedersen

The Kansas City Current have added some much-needed defensive help by signing Stine Ballisager Pedersen. The Danish National Team defender will join the Current following the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Ballisager has signed through the 2024 season, with an option for 2025. The Current agreed to a transfer fee from Norwegian Toppserien club Vålerenga IF. The Current do not expect to make any roster moves to add Ballisager.

“I’m so excited to join Kansas City Current,” said Ballisager via press release. “I have had such a good impression of the club, with the staff, players, the professionalism and the facilities. I think this is a very good fit for me and I can’t wait for this challenge. I am excited to play in such a strong league and I will do everything I can to do well in Kansas City and contribute to the team.”

Ballisager has been a mainstay with the Danish national teams, from the youth squads through the senior team. She has made more than 40 starts for Denmark and was named the Danish Female Footballer of the Year in 2013 and 2022.

While Denmark has not announced their squad yet, it would be surprising if Ballisager was not a regular starter for the Danes at the World Cup. The FIFA 13^th ranked squad will face stiff competition with 5th-ranked England, 14th-ranked China and 53rd-ranked Haiti. Denmark begins group play against China on July 22^nd and wraps up against Haiti on August 1^st. KC Current fans will have Ballisager and Deninha to root for at the World Cup. KC Current midfielder Desiree Scott is on the preliminary roster and is in camp with Canada with hopes of making the final roster for the World Cup.

With club and country, Ballisager is recognized as a tough defender, comparing favorably with some of the best defenders in Europe. The 5’ 7” center back was captain at Vålerenga IF and can add her leadership skills as well.

“Stine is a world-class defender and an incredible leader.” said Current general manager Camille Ashton via press release. “We are so excited to bring her to Kansas City and to see what she can accomplish in the NWSL.”