Who is Vilde Bøe Risa? Former United star set for Champions League reunion | OneFootball

Vilde Bøe Risa will face off against her old teammates on Thursday as Manchester United play Atletico Madrid

Vilde Bøe Risa was once one of Manchester United’s most exciting stars and this week she returns to face her former side in the Champions League.

Manchester United travel to Spain on Thursday afternoon to face Atletico Madrid in the second Champions League matchday.

Who is Vilde Bøe Risa?

Atletico Madrid’s Vilde Bøe Risa is one of Norway’s most talented players.

The midfielder joined Liga F in 2023 from Manchester United after spending two years with the WSL side.

With United, Risa played 29 games in the WSL – starting 11 matches. The midfielder was never much of a goalscorer in England and she managed just two league goals before departing the club.

During her final season with the Red Devils, United finished second in the league which was their best ever finish in the competition

Risa left United in search of more minutes and since signing for Atletico Madrid she has blossomed into a superstar.

Although Atletico have finished well behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in her two seasons in Spain, Risa has become one of the first names on the teamsheet every week.

The 30-year-old remains an important part of the Norway setup despite her age and she featured in all three of her nation’s group stage games at Euro 2025.

Bøe Risa excited for Manchester United reunion

With United facing Atletico in Europe on Thursday night, there is certainly plenty of excitement from Risa facing her former team.

Despite leaving two years ago Risa still has fond memories of United and the players there.

“I was so happy to see that we were going to play against them. I’m really looking forward to the game, my time at United was really nice,” Risa said.

“I feel like I know the girls and the club, in and out, and obviously I’m still watching them play and follow them very closely. I feel like it’s my team still, even though that is Atletico de Madrid for sure. I’m excited.

“I feel like I’m going to play against my friends and people that I miss so much playing with. It’s a special game for me and I was so happy to see that we were going to play against them in the Champions League.”

United are marginally preferred to beat their Spanish opponents this week but as the visitors it certainly won’t be an easy test.