The Portland Thorns sign Canada international Marie-Yasmine “Mimi” Alidou
The club has acquired CanWNT's Mimi Alidou via transfer from Benfica.
Prior to the closing of the primary transfer window, the Portland Thorns made another addition - this time it’s Canada international, Marie-Yasmine “Mimi” Alidou from Benfica (Portugal). The club have signed her through 2026 with a club option for 2027.
She heads to the Rose City after two historic years with Portuguese powerhouse Benfica. In 2023, Alidou led the club in goals across all competitions with 26 goals and added three assists. Benfica would win all four domestic competitions: the Supertaça de Portugal, the Taça da Liga, the Campeonato Nacional, and the Taça de Portugal. For the first time in club history, Benfica would reach the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women's Champions League which marked the first time a Portuguese team accomplished that feat.
Internationally, Alidou, 29, represents the Canada Women’s National Team. She has made eight appearances for her country (five starts), scoring five goals - including a first half hat-trick in a 7-0 win over Chinese Taipei at the 2025 Pinatar Cup.
After her performance, new Canada head coach, Casey Stoney was wondering why she did not receive more opportunities sooner.
“I continue to be confused as to why she’s not been involved a lot more prior to this. She’s very talented, bright. Just her ability on the ball, she can go 1v1. I think she’s really creative and has so much talent.”
Although Mimi Alidou is listed as a midfielder for Benfica, she is listed as a forward for the Portland Thorns. It’ll be interesting to sign where she’ll play on the team. The club have confirmed she’ll take up an international slot, leaving the team with one more.
She’ll be #26 for the Thorns.
The Portland Thorns roster is now at 24 players:
Goalkeepers (3): Mackenzie Arnold (INTL), Bella Bixby, Morgan Messner
Defenders (7): Daiane (INTL), Sam Hiatt, Moira Kelley, Isabella Obaze (INTL), Jayden Perry, Reyna Reyes, Kaitlyn Torpey (INTL); Marie Müller (SEI), Nicole Payne (SEI)
Midfielders (7): Carissa Boeckmann, Sam Coffey, Jessie Fleming (INTL), Sophie Hirst, Mallie McKenzie, Olivia Moultrie, Hina Sugita (INTL); Olivia Wade-Katoa (SEI, ML)
Forwards (7): Mimi Alidou (INTL), Deyna Castellanos, Caiya Hanks, Payton Linnehan, Alexa Spaanstra, Pietra Tordin, Reilyn Turner; Sophia Wilson (ML) Morgan Weaver (SEI)
Are we paying a tariff on Alidou?
OT: The Nadeshiko just dropped their roster for an upcoming (4/6) friendly v Colombia, and Hina's back in the side! Not sure what this means for her availability for the matches bookending that friendly (we'd be dire without her...), but I'm really glad to see her getting called up again. The Nadeshiko pool is DEEP, so even a player as brilliant as our Hina isn't a lock (as we have seen).