Washington Spirit Signs French Defender Annaïg Butel
July 6, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release
Washington, D.C. - 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, Sarr 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."
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