LEESBURG, Va. – Loudoun United FC announced on Friday that the club had signed Haitian international Christiano François to a one-year contract for the 2024 USL Championship season The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

François has logged 195 appearances across the regular season and playoffs in the Championship, recording 35 goals and 39 assists. François signed his first professional contract with D.C. United in 2014 before gaining a plethora of experience competing in the USL Championship with Rio Grande Valley FC, El Paso Locomotive, Miami FC, Reno 1868, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and the Rochester Rhinos.

“Christiano [François] is an incredible player, who has had a tremendous career,” said Loudoun Head Coach Ryan Martin. “He’s a phenomenal reader of the game, who can create goals for himself and others. We are excited for his addition to the team.”

François has also made seven appearances for Haiti at the senior international level, including five in the Concacaf Nations League. The 30-year-old most recently competed for Rio Grande Valley FC, where he recorded three goals and five assists in 33 appearances in the past campaign.

Analysis

Christiano François has proven one of the most versatile attacking options in the Championship during his career and is one of only eight players to have recorded at least 35 goals and 35 assists in the league’s regular season. Previously an out-and-out winger, time has seen François’ speed diminish a tick recently, but his frame and ability on the ball still make him a useful piece who can fill in as a central attacker as well as on the flanks.

As Loudoun looks to boost an attack that had positive moments but ended up with only 36 goals in 34 regular season games this past season, how François combines with returning forward Zach Ryan, Kalil ElMedkhar and Tommy Williamson will be something to watch closely. The Haitian could still have what it takes to unlock a more consistent threat in the attacking third for Head Coach Ryan Martin’s side.