The Washington Spirit have signed a Women’s World Cup standout that hopes to bring flair to its refreshed roster starting this summer.
Colombian midfielder Leicy Santos signed a three-year deal with D.C.’s NWSL club on Tuesday. She will join the Spirit from Spanish side Atl茅tico Madrid in June after the end of the Liga F season. In a statement, Santos said called the Spirit “pioneers in the women鈥檚 game” and added she hopes to add more to the club’s legacy.
“I’m so excited to be starting a new journey in a new league with the Washington Spirit,鈥� Santos said in a statement.
Santos 鈥� originally from San Sebasti谩n within the town of Lorica, Colombia 鈥� gained international attention for her exploits during Las Cafeteras’ run to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. She scored a stunning crossing goal during Colombia’s match against the eventual runner-up England that was considered one of the tournament’s best goals.
The 27-year-old is known as an elite passer and attacker, floating between roles in the midfield and the wings. In her sixth season for Atl茅tico Madrid, she has 17 goals and 16 assists this year. Last season, she led her team past crosstown rival Real Madrid to a comeback victory in the finals of the Copa de la Reina tournament.
“Bringing Leicy to the Spirit is an important step in taking this team forward,鈥� Washington head coach Jonatan Gir谩ldez said in a statement. 鈥淪he is relentless in the attacking third and can create opportunities at will with her passing. We are thrilled to have her.鈥�
The first hint of Santos’ signing came during Washington’s First Look preseason event on March 11. General manager Mark Krikorian told 海角社区app the club was planning to 聽and when pressed further, he said the player was 鈥渘ot from the U.S.鈥�
Following the signing, Kirkorian called Santos a “phenomenal addition” for Washington.
“Her technical abilities on the pitch are world-class and she has provided a winning edge to her teams at all levels,” he said in a statement. “Having her join our already impressive roster is going to make the Spirit an even more intimidating opponent in the NWSL.”
The addition of Santos is the latest move after a busy offseason by Washington, who signed two free agents (forward Brittany Ratcliffe and U.S. women鈥檚 national team defender Casey Krueger) and signed six players during the NWSL Draft.
The Spirit opened its 2024 season with two victories in its first three matches while assistant coach Adri谩n Gonz谩lez manages the squad on an interim basis. Gir谩ldez, who was hired in January from Spain鈥檚 side FC Barcelona Femen铆, plans to join Washington sometime in June.
Online sports first reported Washington’s plans to sign Santos.
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