Today, the Washington Spirit have announced the signing of Alimata Bélem to a four-year contract through the 2029 season. The Burkina Faso national arrives via transfer from SD Eibar of Liga F (Spain). The defender will remain on loan through the end of the 2026, joining her NWSL side next January.
“It is with immense pride and great enthusiasm that I join the Washington Spirit,” said Bélem. “I want to thank the leadership, the staff and everyone who placed their trust in me. This signing marks an important
new step in my career. I am aware of the responsibilities ahead of me, and I am committed to giving my very best, both on and off the field, in order to contribute to the club’s ambitions. May this adventure be filled with hard work, progress and great victories. Thank you, and see you soon!”
“Alimata has shown great potential playing at a high level in Liga F and we look forward to helping her develop her game even more with experience,” said Spirit Sporting Director James Hocken. “We’re excited to welcome her to the club at the start of next season.”
With SD Eibar, she has started all 29 league matches this past season. In the 2023-2025 seasons, she competed with DUX Logroño for two seasons – earning promotion to Liga F in her final year with the club.
Internationally, Bélem made her debut for Burkina Faso at just 15 years old.
The defender will compete with the Lady Stallions at the summer’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. At the 2022 edition, she took part in her country’s historic debut at the the tournament.
