The Washington Spirit agreed to a new one-year contract with midfielder Leicy Santos, keeping her with the National Women’s Soccer League club through the 2027 season. The Spirit announced the agreement Sept. 15, 2026.
Santos joined the Washington Spirit in 2024 and has appeared in 54 matches for the club, recording nine goals and 10 assists. She has also scored three direct free kicks in the NWSL.
Leicy Santos Brings Production and Experience Back to Washington
Santos has helped the Washington Spirit reach back-to-back NWSL Championships. She also scored an equalizer in the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup as the Spirit won its second trophy.
The midfielder earned a Best XI of the Month honor for her performance in April and has received two NWSL Player of the Week awards. Sporting Director James Hocken said Santos has provided quality and experience in the Spirit midfield since joining the club.
“DC has become home for me and I’m very happy to be extending my time with the Spirit and to play in front of our fans for another season,” said Santos. “I have grown so much in my game across these past two years at the club as we built a strong foundation for success here. Let’s finish this season strong!”
“Leicy has provided tremendous quality and experience in our midfield since joining the Spirit in 2024,” said Hocken. “We are excited to have her with the team another year.”
Santos Continues Colombia International Career
Santos has represented Colombia at two FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympic Games. She appeared at the 2015 and 2023 World Cups and the 2016 and 2024 Olympic Games, and she has more than 50 senior international appearances for Colombia.
Earlier in 2026, Santos helped Colombia qualify for the next World Cup in Brazil by scoring four goals in CONMEBOL Women’s Nations League play. She grew up playing soccer on boys’ teams in Colombia before training with Besser Football Club in Bogotá at age 12.
Santos moved to the United States in 2015 to play for Iowa Central. She won a national championship in her only year at the school before turning professional.
Washington Spirit Schedule
The Washington Spirit will host Angel City FC at Audi Field on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. EDT. The match will be the club’s annual CVS Health Day.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Keeping Leicy Santos through 2027 gives the Washington Spirit another experienced midfielder with established production for the club and Colombia. Her 54 appearances, nine goals, 10 assists and three NWSL direct-free-kick goals provide a clear statistical foundation for the extension.
Source: Original report
