Angel City FC signs French forward Julie Dufour to 3-year contract

Angel City Football Club boosted its forward group with the signing of Julie Dufour.

Dufour, from France, joins Angel City on a three-year contract through the 2027 season. She spent the previous two seasons with Paris FC, where she scored 19 goals in 41 appearances.

Dufour, 23, will occupy an international roster spot, the team announced Tuesday.

“Joining Angel City FC is an incredibly exciting opportunity, and everything has been done to make me feel welcome from the very beginning,” Dufour said. “Playing in a packed BMO Stadium, in front of such passionate fans, will be a unique experience. I can’t wait to meet the supporters, my new teammates, and the staff.”

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Angel City again struggled to score goals, finishing with just 29 last season. The club has already re-signed Sydney Leroux, who led the team with seven goals last season.

“Julie Dufour’s decision to join Angel City FC is a landmark moment for both the club and the league,” club Technical Director Mark Wilson said. “Her choice to come to the NWSL and Angel City, despite strong interest from top European clubs, including those in the Champions League, speaks volumes about the growth of our league and the global appeal of Angel City and the NWSL.”

Dufour has also played at Bordeaux and Lille, combining for 152 appearances and 33 goals. She made eight appearances with the French national team last season.

“Competing in the highly competitive NWSL will allow me to take my game to the next level and grow as a player,” she said. “This move represents a chance to enrich my skills, broaden my football knowledge, and reach new heights in my career. I’m eager to embrace this challenge and start this exciting new chapter.”

Defender M.A. Vignola is returning to Angel City, signing a two-year contract through the 2026 season. The club confirmed the news Monday.

Vignola was the third player to join Angel City ahead of its inaugural season. After a breakout 2023, that saw her earn NWSL Best XI second-team honors, Vignola struggled through injuries last season, playing in 17 games.