Washington Spirit Signs French Defender Annaïg Butel

Washington Spirit  |   July 6, 2023
Washington Spirit Signs French Defender Annaïg Butel Featured Image

Butel agrees to terms on two-year deal with club in move to NWSL 

 

Washington, D.C. (07/06/2023) – The Washington Spirit has signed defender Annaïg Butel to a two-year contract, the club announced today. The new contract, set to run through the 2024 season, took effect earlier this month following the expiration of Butel’s contract with Division 1 Féminine’s Paris FC. Butel will occupy an international slot on the Spirit’s active roster and wear #5 for the team on the field. 

 

Across the first 15 seasons of Butel’s senior club career, she has appeared in over 250 matches with French club Paris FC. Butel has spent time playing midfielder and defender during her senior club career and has tallied 15 goals in that time. Turning pro in 2007 at the age of 15, Butel spent her first season with Juvisy B before joining Division 1 Féminine’s Juvisy (now known as Paris FC) in 2008. 

  

“I am really happy and proud to join the club and its project,” said Butel. “I have only played in one city in Europe, and I can’t wait to meet our fans and for Washington to become my second home, away from home.” 

 

Butel is originally from Ivry-sur-Seine located outside of Paris. From 2000 to 2007, before she turned pro, Butel competed for youth clubs Château Landon and Bagneaux Nemours. At the international level, Butel was regularly called up for various French youth national teams before making her senior team debut in 2013. Since her first senior team call-up, Butel has earned ten caps for France. 

 

“Annaïg has special attacking and defensive qualities. With this addition, we can continue to develop our style of play,” said Head Coach Mark Parsons. “We look forward to Annaïg arriving and settling in with our fantastic group.” 

 

About The Washington Spirit 

 

The Washington Spirit is the professional women’s soccer team based at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Launched in 2012, the Spirit plays in the National Women’s Soccer League, the premier women’s soccer competition in North America. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Spread the love
In this Article