‘How is this real?’ – Former Chelsea star’s home destroyed in LA wildfires with player sharing chilling picture
FORMER Chelsea star Ali Riley’s home was destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires.
The New Zealand captain, 37, played for the Blues’ women’s team six seasons ago.
Defender Ali made 16 appearances, scoring two goals, before leaving for Bayern Munich.
She has played for LA side Angel City since 2022, becoming club captain.
But her house was reduced to ashes earlier this week as uncontrollable blazes swept the upmarket Pacific Palisades suburb.
She posted a chilling picture on social media of the fire-destroyed neighbourhood, with an arrow pointing out where her home used to be.
Los Angeles-born Ali wrote on X: “This was our home. How is this real. It can’t be real.”
The 163-cap international added on Instagram: “Our entire neighbourhood is gone. We are all safe.
“Holding on to that with my whole heart while we figure out what to do next.
“I keep looking at this to make myself understand that it is real.
“I was there Monday night eating dinner. Hanging with Mom and Dad.
“Watched the sunset. And now it’s gone forever.
“This rubble was our home.”
Ali received an outpouring of sympathy and support from friends and team-mates on social media.
Chelsea signed her in 2018 after she won nine trophies with Swedish club Rosengard.
At least five people have died, and 137,000 evacuated from their homes, since the devastating LA fires broke out earlier this week.
Ali’s club Angel City, founded in 2020, plays in America’s top-tier National Women’s Soccer League.
Its ownership structure includes actress Natalie Portman as well as tennis icons Venus Williams and Billie Jean King.
Gavin and Stacey star James Corden, a former US TV host, has also invested in the Californian club.