Jamaican international Jody Brown has made the move to the Arkema Première Ligue, as she penned a new deal with French outfit Olympique de Marseille Féminin, now officially ending her time with Benfica.
Brown is set to make her mark in the French women’s top-tier division as she will wear the number 11 for the newly-promoted club.
Marseille made the announcement on Friday, welcoming the winger into their ranks as they look to consolidate their position in the Première Ligue.
The move will be Brown’s second club in her budding professional career as the 23-year-old attacker had spent only a year with Benfica, following her graduation from Florida State University.
While at Benfica, Brown made 21 appearances, scoring four goals and provided one assist.
Her best return came in Benfica’s 5-0 drubbing of Clube de Albergaria, where she bagged a brace.
The Jamaican was also a member of Benfica’s squad for the inaugural World Sevens Football tournament, where she featured in all three games against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Manchester United and AS Roma.
Brown, however, spent much of her time in Benfica, making second-half appearances as the young attacker would only start in 10 of her 21 games played.
She leaves Benfica with two major trophies, having won the Liga Portugal Betclic title and the Taça da Liga Cup in her first, and only season at the club.
UPHILL TASK
Brown will hoping to find improved success in France, but will face an uphill task.
Marseille, while a giant in the men’s game, have not seen the same level of success in their women’s team due to a tumultuous history.
While standing as one of the first teams to be active in women’s football, Marseille suffered several periods of inactivity, which saw the club disbanded twice.
They were brought back in their current form in 2011, and have spent much of the last decade floating between the top two divisions.
The club will be making their first appearance in the top-flight since their relegation in the 2019-2020 season.
Brown joins a growing list of Reggae Girlz with experience in the French leagues. Others who have plied their trade in France include Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, Allyson Swaby, Deneisha Blackwood, Chantelle Swaby and Yazmeen Jamieson.
