Asisat Oshoala bids farewell to Barcelona, joins US club

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala has sealed a move to United States National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit, Bay FC.

Oshoala’s current contract with Spanish Iberdrola side, Barcelona is due to expire this summer.

In her farewell message, Oshoala thanked the club for five years spent there, describing it as the most memorable moments in the club’s history. 

She wrote,”To my beloved @fcbfemeni, As I bid farewell to this incredible team and the city that has been my home for the past 5 years, I am filled with mixed emotions. It has been an absolute honor and privilege to wear the @fcbfemeni jersey and represent this prestigious club.

“Since joining the team in 2019, I have had the opportunity to be a part of some of the most memorable moments in the club’s history. Together, we have lifted several trophies and these achievements are a testament to hard work, dedication and I feel privileged to have been a part of this team.

“But beyond the trophies and accolades, what I will cherish most are the relationships I have built with some of my teammates, coaches, staff and the amazing fans. You have become my family and I will forever be grateful for the love and support you have shown me.

“As I embark on a new journey, I want you to know that @fcbfemeni will always hold a special place in my heart. I will carry with me the memories, lessons and friendships that I have gained during my time here.

“Thank you for everything @fcbfemeni , You have given me more than I could have ever imagined and I will always be a proud representative of this incredible club. With love and gratitude, Asisat Lamina Oshoala Força Barça Asisat Oshoala (M.O.N),” she added.

Bay FC, who are based in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, reportedly pay €150,000 to secure her tranfer..

Oshoala joined the new club through a transfer with FC Barcelona Femení of Liga F in Spain in exchange for a transfer fee, the club announced today.

Following the transfer, the forward was signed to a contract through the 2026 season with an option for the 2027 campaign. She will join the team and be added to the roster pending the receipt of her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Oshoala will occupy an international roster spot.

“To have the opportunity to add a player of Asisat’s quality, experience and winning pedigree to our roster is an exciting and important day for the club and the NWSL,” said Bay FC General Manager Lucy Rushton.

“She brings a top-class mentality to the field combined with pace and technical ability that allows her to lead the line, while also giving those players around her the license to be creative and thrive in space. Asisat is a proven goal scorer at the most elite levels of World football, and she comes here to continue that with Bay FC.”

At Barcelona across five seasons (2019-23), Oshoala scored 107 goals in 149 appearances, including a record-setting season in 2022, when she was the joint top scorer in the league with 19 goals.

The two-time Ballon D’or nominee led the team in scoring three times, helping the club win the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice (2020-21, 2022-23), earn four league titles, three Spanish Super Cups and the Copa de la Reina three times. She became the first African woman to the win the UEFA Champions League final in 2021 and the first African woman to score in the Champions League final in 2019.

Professionally, she began her career in Nigeria with Rivers Angels FC before making the move to Europe and signing with Liverpool on Jan. 23, 2015. Oshoala spent time with Liverpool and Arsenal, winning the 2016 FA Cup with Arsenal before signing with Chinese club Dalian in Feb. 2017. She won two league titles in China (2017, 2018) and went on loan to Barcelona on Jan. 31, 2019, before making the permanent move in May 2019.

A six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Oshoala has appeared in three FIFA Women’s World Cups (2015, 2019, 2023) with Nigeria, helping the team advance to the Round of 16 in both the 2019 and 2023 tournaments. As a youth international, she was the Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scoring seven goals in the tournament.