While Angel City dominated the pitch this Sunday, Savy King’s moment made the game even more emotional than it normally would’ve been.

City defeated the Chicago Stars 4-0 at the BMO Stadium on March 15, moving up to the top spot in the NWSL. But what really made this moment so remarkable was the 21-year-old defender’s comeback to the side after a ten-month hiatus. Just Women’s Sports summed up the situation nicely in an X post.

“After suffering a cardiac event during a May 9, 2025, game that led to heart surgery, Savy King, the 21-year-old Angel City defender, has returned to the field for the first time,” the caption read.

The video accompanying the update showed King entering the game in the 63^rd minute as a substitute, while the home crowd realised who they were seeing. What followed was a loud pop, which ultimately led to an ovation to welcome the player who collapsed on the same field last year.

Despite tackling a heart surgery and long rehabilitation, King returned to the field stronger than ever and did what she does best. And she did not hide her feelings about this return.

Savy King Had Been Waiting for This Moment

One can spot the drive when a player returns after 238 days, enters in the 63^rd minute, gets to play just 27 minutes, and still goes for a recovery run and slide tackle in the 80^th minute. King’s refusal to let Stars forward Jordyn Huitema score could highlight how much she wanted to be back.

“This is a moment that I have been waiting for since I woke up from my surgery," said King. “I never imagined that something like this could happen to me. But as soon as I knew I could play again, there was never a doubt that I could get back here.”

Moreover, this was an emotional situation even for her teammate, Kennedy Fuller, who scored one goal and an assist. After the game, Fuller agreed that she “was about to start crying”, addressing how happy everyone was by King’s return.

King had kicked off her return game strongly. And as she slowly picks up her pace and recovers her minutes, what is your prediction for her upcoming games? Comment it down.

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Souvik Roy