Ludwig joins Oxford City ensemble.

Oxford City are delighted to announce the signing of former EFL defender, Ludwig Francillette ahead of the upcoming season.

The highly touted 27-year-old joins The Hoops' lengthy list of summer signings as Tyrone Marsh, Jonny Maxted, Evan Humphries, Dejan Tetek and Scott Pollock have already put pen-to-paper. 

The 6ft 5in centre-half spent the 2025/26 season at Morecambe after a very successful spell with Eastleigh in the National League.

Francillette has already got himself onto the scoresheet in OX3, scoring for Eastleigh against the Hoops when The Spitfires visited during the 2023/24 season. 

Across his two seasons on the south coast, he netted 12 times in his 86 for the club. Now, he's the latest name to join the Hoops' ensemble ahead of the new season. 

"After I spoke with the gaffer and heard the project, it. was a no-brainer for me to come here." Ludwig told us.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge and I'm excited for the new season ahead. I can't wait to meet all the rest of the lads and get ready for pre-season with the warmup games and getting the season started.

"This is the first time I've played in the National League North, but I'm expecting it to be a super physical league and I'm looking forward to it."

Born on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, Ludwig played his youth football in France for Dijon FCO until 2018. He signed for AS Quetigny before attracting the attention of some big-name Premier League sides. 

His first taste of English football came with Newcastle United as he signed for the Magpies' U23 side in the summer of 2019 and remained there for two seasons. 

A successful trial with Crawley Town saw him rewarded with a two-year-deal. His EFL debut came a week after his first-team debut as he featured in a 2-1 win over Salford City. His first senior goal for the club game from a corner against Newport County and Ludwig went on to make 29 appearances that season. 

Francillette also featured for Guadeloupe at Youth international levels.

Now at The MGroup Stadium, Francillette has the full backing of the staff at Oxford City. 

First Team Manager, Ross Jenkins said: "It's brilliant to have Ludy (Ludwig) on board with us this season. He's a player we have seen a lot of and come up against during his time at Eastleigh when we were in the National League.

"A towering presence with speed, he can play left and right sided centre-back and he will add leadership and voice our team.

"He's got great experience playing at a higher level and he will be a great asset to the team."

Everyone at Oxford City wishes Ludwig a warm welcome to the club.

Welcome to OX3, Ludwig. 

Want to sponsor our latest signing? Email club@oxcityfc.co.uk