HERRIMAN, Utah (April 22, 2024) - Utah Royals FC announced today the signing of Spanish defender Ana Tejada for an undisclosed fee to a three year contract with an option for a fourth from Spanish side Real Sociedad of Liga F, the highest tier of professional women’s football in Spain. The center back will arrive in Utah pending international visa approval.
Making her professional debut at age 15 back in 2017 with Dux Logroño, Tejada helped her side gain promotion in 2018 where she was the youngest active player in the top division. She impressed in her first year in Liga F and was signed by Real Sociedad in 2019. Her first season in Basque Country was marred by injury and the 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ana is a defender that has shown tremendous talent at a young age, and we are excited to help her continue that development.” said sporting director Kelly Cousins. “She has been a consistent contributor at the top level of Spanish football and now has the opportunity to showcase her abilities here in Utah.”
The 21-year-old has 95 appearances for Real Sociedad since joining the Txuri-urdin and has also featured for the Spanish national team at the youth and senior levels. She has three youth trophies to her name winning the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the FIFA U-22 Women’s World Cup. The defender was also named to the Team of the Tournament in the 2019 edition of the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship. She has since made her full senior debut, coming on as a substitute against Argentina in a friendly in 2022.
So far this season, Tejada has 17 appearances and 13 starts for La Real, compiling 1217 minutes. The young defender will look to make an immediate impact with Amy Rodriguez’ injury stricken squad as the Royals return home for their next match to face Houston Dash on April 27 at 7:30 p.m. MT.
