Washington Spirit smash world transfer record to sign Clara Luvanga

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FT Desk

The Washington Spirit have smashed the world transfer record in women's football to acquire striker Clara Luvanga from Al-Nassr.

The club, who are currently second in the National Women's Soccer League behind Gotham, confirmed the deal on Wednesday.

“Clara adds an exciting new dimension to our attack as we head toward the playoffs,” said Sporting Director James Hocken.

“Despite her young age, she has demonstrated the ability to score goals in different ways and has the profile to be very successful in this league.”

The 21-year-old has signed a four-year contract through 2029 and is set to become the first Tanzanian player ever to feature in the NWSL.

After emerging at Yanga Princess in Tanzania, Luvanga became known internationally at youth level, scoring 10 goals in the 2022 U-17 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign, making her the competition's leading scorer.

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In 2023, she moved to Spain with DUX Logrono, but made only six appearances and scored twice. She then moved to Al-Nassr, where her career really kicked into gear. She helped the club win the Saudi Women's Premier League and became one of the league's leading scorers. In 2024–25 she scored 30 goals, while in 2025–26 she won the league's Golden Boot with 24 goals.

“I am very excited to join the Washington Spirit and to take on this new challenge in the NWSL,” she said after the deal was confirmed.

“I know I am arriving with the season already underway, but I’m really excited to play in a new league and a new country. The team is in a strong position and I want to help in whatever way I can between now and the playoffs. Go Spirit!”

Though Washington Spirit have officially reported the fee as undisclosed, transfer insider Ben Jacobs has confirmed that the fee is around $2 million, which represents a world record in women's football.

The previous record was set by London City Lionesses, who purchased Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain for around $1.9m in 2025.

The Washington Spirit were founded in 2012 and play their home matches at Audi Field. They won the NWSL Championship in 2021 and the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2025