Vanessa DiBernardo

Midfielder (she/her)

HOMETOWN: Naperville, IL, USA

HEIGHT: 5'4"

Vanessa DiBernardo joined the Kansas City Current in December 2022 as a free agent after nine seasons with the Chicago Red Stars. Drafted No. 4 overall in the 2014 NWSL Draft, she became a cornerstone of Chicago’s midfield, earning captaincy in 2022 and setting club records for games played (155), minutes (12,465) and assists (22).

In two completed seasons with the Current, DiBernardo quickly established her name in the club’s record book. She is tied for the club record in regular season assists (7) and fifth all-time in corner kicks (40). She made history by scoring the first-ever goal at CPKC Stadium on March 16, 2024. She was also named to the NWSL Second XI and nominated for NWSL Midfielder of the Year in 2024.

Internationally, DiBernardo played for the United States U-20 and U-23 national teams. She played in all five matches of the 2012 Concacaf U-20 Championship, helping the U.S. win the event while tallying two goals and an assist. She trained with the U-20 squad in preparation for the 2012 FIFA U-20 World Cup, also making appearances in several U-23 training camps.

The highest NWSL draft pick in school history, DiBernardo had a standout collegiate career at the University of Illinois from 2010-13. The two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Ten honoree was tabbed to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List three times. DiBernardo, who was named the 2010 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and the 2011 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, led the Illini to their second-ever Big Ten Tournament title as a sophomore. Her 22 career assists still stand today as the Illinois program record.