The Washington Spirit signed Tanzanian national team forward Clara Luvanga to a four-year contract through the 2029 season. The women’s soccer club will pay a transfer fee to Al-Nassr FC of Saudi Arabia’s top-flight Saudi Women’s Premier League.
Luvanga is set to become the first player from Tanzania in National Women’s Soccer League history. The 21-year-old joins the Washington Spirit after three seasons with Al-Nassr FC.
“I am very excited to join the Washington Spirit and to take on this new challenge in the NWSL,” said Luvanga. “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!”
Clara Luvanga Brings Saudi Success to Washington Spirit
Luvanga joined Al-Nassr FC in 2023 and helped the club win three consecutive Saudi Women’s Premier League titles. She also won a Saudi Women’s Cup title, a Saudi Women’s Super Cup title and the 2026 WAFF Women’s Clubs Championship title.
Luvanga won the Saudi Women’s Premier League Golden Boot in the most recent season after scoring 24 goals. She also recorded a hat trick in the 2026 Saudi Women’s Super Cup final.
“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.”
Luvanga’s Path to the NWSL
Luvanga made her debut for the Tanzanian senior team in 2024. Before joining Al-Nassr FC, she played for DUX Logroño in Spain after developing with Tanzanian club Yanga Princess.
Washington Spirit Schedule Context
The Washington Spirit was scheduled to host Boston Legacy FC at Audi Field on Sunday, September 13, at 1 p.m. EDT. The match was designated as Spirit & Paws Day.
The Washington Spirit is based in Washington, D.C., plays at Audi Field and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League. More information is available through the club’s official website, while tickets are listed at the team’s ticket page.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Washington Spirit added a forward with a strong record of scoring and winning in Saudi Arabia. Luvanga’s 24-goal Golden Boot season, cup-final hat trick and collection of team titles provide verified context for the four-year signing.
Her arrival also gives the NWSL its first player from Tanzania. The contract runs through the 2029 season, extending the significance of the move beyond the Spirit’s current playoff push.
Source: Original report
