The Montreal Roses have signed hometown forward Latifah Abdou to a contract.
The Northern Super League side announced the deal on Tuesday.
Abdou made his debut for Canada with one cap on December 1, 2023, in a 5–0 friendly win over Australia.
The 23-year-old from nearby Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, returned to Montreal after four years in France and began his overseas career with Soyaux in the Premiere Ligue, the country’s top league, in 2020.
“Working on a new project from home is a special opportunity, both on a sporting and personal level,” Abdu said in a statement. “My short-term goal is to continue to improve on the pitch and give my all to my city and the Montreal Roses club.”
Abdou also played for second-tier clubs Metz and Strasbourg before returning to the Premier League with Dijon last season.
She has two goals and five points in 14 games with Dijon. She signed with En Avant Guingamp last July and has 2 assists in 9 games this season.
clock | Montreal has revealed its name and logo, but some questions remain.
The team will be known as Roses FC and will compete alongside five other teams from across Canada in the Northern Super League (NSL). There are still some unknowns about the club, including who will play for them and where they will play.
‘Various offense and defense’
Marinette Pichon, the club’s sporting director, said: “Latifah embodies unwavering determination, incredible speed and enormous potential. Early on in the project, I met a committed player who believed in the team long before it took shape.” “Her speed, accurate centering and ability to create opportunities down the pitch will make all the difference.
“Pushed by a combative and strong team spirit, Latifah will strengthen the team’s dynamics while bringing versatility both offensively and defensively.”
In 2018 and 2019, Abdu played for Lakers du Lac Saint-Louis and CS Monteuil in the semi-professional Premier League de Quebec Soccer League (PSLQ).
She briefly returned to the PSLQ in 2021 with CS Mont-Royal Outremont, winning the league’s Gold Boot award as top scorer.
Abdu also led Vanier College to a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) title in 2021, earning Player of the Year honors.
Roses FC signed veteran French international defensive midfielder Charlotte Bilbault and Canadian goalkeeper Gabrielle Lambert as their first players in October.
Montreal joins Vancouver Rise FC, Ottawa Rapids FC, Halifax Tides FC, Calgary Wild FC and AFC Toronto in the new Canadian Professional League, which will begin next spring.
