The FIFA Men’s World Cup has turned June into a de facto hiatus for most professional leagues, but the momentum of former Mississippi State players does not pause. Eleven alumni remain under contract abroad, each navigating a distinct competitive environment. Among them, Rylie Combs continues to feature for her Swedish club, keeping the season alive while the rest of the world watches the tournament.
A Global Tour of Alumni
From the streets of Sweden to the pitches of France, Germany, Australia and South America, the former Bulldogs are scattered across a dozen leagues. In the French Ligue 2, Racing Lens slipped to eleventh place and saw its campaign end with relegation to the Seconde Ligue, while Eskilstuna United sits fifth in Sweden’s top flight. In Australia’s A‑League, Racing Louisville occupies the foot of the table with just seven points, fighting to avoid the wooden spoon. Meanwhile, in Colombia, Tigres have secured third place in their league and booked a spot in the playoffs, and Lexington SC captured the Gainbridge Super League title along with the regular‑season crown.
Championship Highlights and Relegation Drama
Other storylines include Racing Power, which finished seventh with 18 points in its division, and Alhama, which placed fifteenth and will drop to the Primera Federación. In Germany, FC Carl Zeiss Jena ended the season in fourteenth position, condemning them to a second‑division move. Strasbourg, also in France, finished seventh with 26 points, while Juventus claimed third in Serie A and secured a Champions League berth. Down under, Melbourne Victory finished sixth in the regular season and advanced to the A‑League semifinals, rounding out a busy month of competition.
The diverse outcomes illustrate how former Mississippi State athletes are weaving their own narratives across continents, turning league schedules into stages for personal triumphs and team achievements. Their performances underscore the global reach of collegiate soccer talent and hint at continued influence on the international stage.