Burkina Faso international Alimata Bélem completes Washington Spirit transfer

Burkina Faso international Alimata Bélem has completed a historic move to Washington Spirit, becoming the first player from her country to sign for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States.

The midfielder has agreed a four-year contract with the American club that will keep her at Washington Spirit until 2029, marking a significant milestone in both her career and the history of Burkinabe women’s football.

Bélem joins the NWSL after an impressive spell with Spanish side SD Eibar, where she established herself as one of the club’s most reliable midfielders following her arrival in the summer of 2025 from DUX Logroño.

Her consistent performances in Spain helped attract international attention and ultimately paved the way for a move to one of the world’s leading women’s football leagues.

The transfer represents another important step in the career of a player who has steadily developed since beginning her journey with Burkina Faso’s national teams at youth level.

After making the switch to SD Eibar, Bélem quickly adapted to the demands of Liga F and earned a regular place in the Basque club’s midfield.

She became known for her physical strength, tireless work ethic and ability to influence matches from central midfield, qualities that allowed her to grow into an important member of the squad.

Her continued progress did not go unnoticed.

As she gained experience in Spain’s top division, interest from clubs outside the country increased, with her displays demonstrating both consistency and maturity.

Those performances have now earned her an opportunity to compete in the National Women’s Soccer League, widely regarded as one of the strongest women’s football competitions in the world.

Washington Spirit’s decision to offer Bélem a long-term contract underlines the club’s confidence in her potential and their belief that she can make an impact in the NWSL.

The move also represents a landmark achievement for Burkina Faso, as Bélem becomes the first footballer from the West African nation to sign for the elite American women’s league.

Her journey from domestic football in Burkina Faso to Spain and now the United States highlights the steady progression that has defined her career.

Throughout her time at SD Eibar, Bélem remained committed to the club’s sporting ambitions while continuing to establish herself as an influential presence in midfield.

That development has now opened the door to a fresh challenge in American football, where she will look to continue her growth at club level while representing Burkina Faso on the international stage.

With a contract running until 2029, Bélem begins a new chapter in her career as both she and Washington Spirit prepare for the next stage of their journey together.