Kane's class - but England need new No.9 to lead World Cup bid

It's too easy for Ramirez! Clinical Chelsea look ominous

England's biggest winners & losers from the Nations League

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

The best Premier League loanees of the season so far

Argentina captain Messi receives apology 'on behalf of Paraguay'

'Pure cringe' - Wrexham fans blast ‘attempted forced rivalry’

Tottenham fans stunned by 'embarrassing' logo redesign

Explained: How Atlanta managed to stun Messi ‘dream team’

Zielinski defends Ronaldo selfie after ‘f*cked us’ criticism

Fernandes in awe of Ronaldo's bicycle kick in demolition of Poland

Jamaica duo to miss USMNT game after losing passports

Neymar's agent breaks silence on Brazilian superstar's future

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Spirit poach Giraldez from treble-winners</li><li>Named new head coach of NWSL side</li><li>Will join at the end of Barca Femeni season</li></ul>

Huge coup for Washington Spirit! NWSL side poach head coach Jonatan Giraldez from all-conquering Barcelona following historic treble-winning campaign

Women's Champions League

SKN St. Poelten

Barcelona

NWSL

Orlando Pride

Washington Spirit

The Spirit announced Giraldez will join them at the end of the Barca Femeni campaign this summer. Despite managing the likes of Ballon d'Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, the Spaniard has opted for a switch stateside, and will join the ranks of Washington.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It's official. The Washington Spirit names FC Barcelona Femení’s Jonatan Giráldez Costas as new head coach!— Washington Spirit - x (@WashSpirit) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashSpirit/status/1744797469358076297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WHAT HAPPENED?

“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the team and become part of the Washington Spirit family. It’s a great honor and a greater responsibility to help bring the club to the next level so I will dedicate my heart and soul to make everyone around the team proud and part of something great,” said Giráldez. “I really want to thank Michele and Mark for the opportunity my family and myself have been given. I will be looking forward to meeting the staff, players and fans in DC soon.”

WHAT GIRALDEZ SAID

The Spaniard will be handed one of the brightest up-and-coming U.S. talents in Trinity Rodman once he takes control of the Spirit, along with USWNT contributors Andi Sullivan and Ashley Hatch. It's a massive appointment for the club, and one that will see them grow even further as an organization.Giraldez has the pedigree of a winner, with an astounding two-year trophy cabinet featuring two league titles, a Copa de la Reina and a WUCL trophy. He has also tasted Liga F defeat as a manager just once in his career.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The NWSL side will begin preseason this February, before kicking off their campaign in March, 2024. As for Giraldez, the Barca Femeni season goes until June, so he will not arrive until the summertime.

WHAT NEXT FOR WASHINGTON SPIRIT

Huge coup for Washington Spirit! NWSL side poach head coach Jonatan Giraldez from all-conquering Barcelona following historic treble-winning campaign | Goal.com Cameroon

Washington Spirit have named Barcelona Femeni boss Jonatan Girladez their new head coach, with the Spaniard set to join this summer