Boston Legacy FC Signs Mali Striker Aïssata Traoré to Three-Year Contract

- Boston Legacy FC made a significant move by signing Mali striker Aïssata Traoré, becoming the NWSL's first player from Mali.

Boston Legacy FC Signs Mali Striker Aïssata Traoré

Boston Legacy FC has secured striker Aïssata Traoré with a three-year contract, extending through the 2028 NWSL season. Traoré, 27, is the expansion club's first international signing and the NWSL's maiden player from Mali.

Traoré's Background and Achievements

Having played for French club FC Fleury 91 since 2024, Traoré has proven her skills with nine goals and four assists in 20 matches. She previously had successful stints at Guingamp in France and Besiktas in Turkey. Internationally, Traoré has been a key player for Mali since 2018, contributing to the team's success in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Future Plans and League Expansion

Traoré will continue on loan with FC Fleury 91 before joining Boston for the 2026 preseason. Boston Legacy FC, set to debut in the NWSL next year as an expansion team, is gearing up alongside Denver to expand the league to 16 teams. Both Boston and Denver are tasked with building their rosters from scratch due to the absence of player drafts, receiving additional financial support from the NWSL to facilitate roster development.

The NWSL's recent introduction of intra-league loans and the opening of the summer transfer window signal a new era for team operations within the league.