Royals defender Janni Thomsen and Champions League final preview

Royals defender Janni Thomsen and Champions League final preview

Author: The Athletic May 22, 2026 Duration: 25:19

The Utah Royals have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 NWSL season, and defender Janni Thomsen has been in the middle of it all.


Thomsen joins host Jillian Sakovits for a conversation looking back at growing up in a small Danish town and playing on boys’ youth teams despite ridicule from other families. They also discuss how Thomsen found her way to Utah in 2025 after her partner, Norwegian international Elise Thorsnes, played there several years earlier, as well as how the Scandinavian couple is preparing to welcome their first child. Then, Jillian breaks down what to expect from the UEFA Women’s Champions League final between FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes on Saturday.

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUEST: Janni Thomsen

This podcast was produced by The Athletic.

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Referenced on the show:

Is Barcelona versus OL Lyonnes the UEFA Women’s Champions League’s greatest rivalry?

Utah Royals are on a seven-match unbeaten streak. Are they the NWSL’s new protagonists?

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For anyone who lives and breathes the beautiful game as played by women, Full Time: A show about women's soccer is your essential audio companion. This isn't just a recap show; it's a deep, thoughtful, and often lively exploration of the entire ecosystem. Produced by the journalists at The Athletic, the podcast delivers expert analysis and storytelling you can trust, moving seamlessly from the latest U.S. women’s national team drama to the week's pivotal NWSL results and major stories from leagues across Europe and the globe. Three times a week, hosts Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin, and Jillian Sakovits break down the matches, but more importantly, they dig into the culture, context, and consequential conversations that define the sport's moment. You'll hear from fellow reporters, players, coaches, and insiders who provide unique perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's a transfer saga, a tactical revolution, or a discussion about the broader impact of the game, this is where the narrative gets unpacked. Tune in for a blend of immediate reaction, investigative reporting, and the kind of informed debate that mirrors the passion of the fans themselves. This podcast goes beyond the final whistle to deliver the full story.
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