Portland Thorns Acquire Danish CB Isabella Obaze

The Denmark International is on her way to the Rose City.

Credit: FC Rosengård

After trading Emily Menges to Bay FC and Becky Sauerbrunn not re-signing as of yet, the Portland Thorns were down to Kelli Hubly and Meaghan Nally at centerback.

Reinforcements are on the way, starting with Denmark International, Isabella Obaze.

Portland Thorns FC acquired Isabella Obaze from FC Rosengård for an undisclosed amount, pending the receipt of her P-1 visa and ITC. Obaze has signed with the club through the 2026 season, with a mutual option for the 2027 season. Obaze will occupy an international roster spot.

“I am so excited to be joining Portland Thorns FC, they are a club with a winning mentality and I hope to help continue their success. I can’t wait to get started”, said Obaze on her signing.

At the 2023 FIFA World Cup, Obaze was part of a side that only allowed a single goal in group play, starting in four consecutive matches for her country. After making her national team debut in 2022 at the Algarve Cup, Obaze at 21 years old is one of their cornerstones and building blocks.

General Manager Karina LeBlanc and Head Coach Mike Norris on the new CB:

“We became aware of Isabella quite some time ago, and as a result we have been able to see her quickly develop into an incredibly strong defensive player, well beyond her years. Isabella possesses all the intangibles which make her an excellent fit for us, both on and off the field, and we believe she will be an important piece for our club going forward,” Portland Thorns FC General Manager Karina LeBlanc said.

“We are excited to welcome Isabella to the Thorns. She comes to the Thorns with a profile that we believe is very suited to the direction of this team and the league,” Head Coach Mike Norris said. “Isabella loves to defend, first and foremost, and brings a calmness, beyond her years, on the ball. We look forward to seeing her flourish here in Rose City.”

Club Football

Obaze has appeared in 105 professional matches since signing her first professional contract with her hometown club, Kolding IF. She has recorded a goal and an assist, across all clubs and competitions. After three seasons with Kolding, Obaze joined HB Køge, where she helped the Danish-side lift three consecutive league titles and advance to the UEFA Women’s Champions League Group Stage for the first time in Club history.

Obaze’s performance in the HB Køge’s historic season led to a transfer for the young defender to FC Rosengård in Sweden, where she has once again played Champions League football, starting in all seven matches of the tournament this year.

For more information, see the team’s press release.

Fun Fact

Isabella Obaze is the second ever Danish international to join the Portland Thorns with Dr. Nadia Nadim being the first (where she won the 2016 NWSL Shield & 2017 NWSL Championship with the Thorns).