Asisat Oshoala Joins Al Hilal: A New Era Begins in Saudi Arabia
On September 2, 2025, Nigerian football icon Asisat Oshoala officially completed her move to Al Hilal, a top club in the Saudi Womenโs Premier League, marking a bold new chapter in her illustrious career.
The six-time African Women’s Player of the Year and UEFA Champions League winner has signed a two-year contract through 2027, following a successful medical in Riyadh. Her move adds star power to a rapidly growing league that now features 10 clubs, up from eight the previous season.
๐คณ๐ผ "ููุณุชู ุชุน ููุตูุน ุงูุฐูุฑูุงุช ุณูููุง" ๐น
— ุณูุฏุงุช ุงูููุงู (@alhilal_ws) September 2, 2025
"ุฃูุดูุงูุง" ุจุนุฏ ุชูููุนูุง ๐
โLetโs have fun and create memories togetherโ ๐คณ
A message to you, leaders ๐ pic.twitter.com/pu8WcgC9qp
๐บ๐ธ Farewell to Bay FC
Oshoala departs from Bay FC after a trailblazing stint in the National Womenโs Soccer League (NWSL). She made history by scoring Bay FCโs first-ever goal during their debut match against Angel City FC on March 17, 2024.
In the 2024 season:
- She led Bay FC in scoring with 8 league goals.
- Appeared in 25 matches, starting 23 and adding 1 assist.
However, her second season saw a significant drop in minutes:
- Just 5 starts in 12 matches, with no goals or assists.
- Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya cited tactical fit and defensive work rate as contributing factors.
Oshoala was notably absent from Bay FC’s squad in their final match before her move, listed as โexcusedโ on the team sheet.
๐ธ๐ฆ Reuniting with Super Falcons Teammates
Oshoala is set to reunite with Nigerian teammates:
- Ashleigh Plumptre (defender)
- Francisca Ordega (forward)
Their presence signals Al Hilal’s ambition to rise from their 6th-place finish in the 2024โ25 season to title contention.
At the 2024 Womenโs Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria lifted their record 10th title, Oshoala played a supporting role:
- Featured in 4 of 6 matches, with 2 starts.
- Appeared as a late substitute in the semifinal and final.
While her minutes were limited, her leadership and experience remained vital to the Super Falcons’ success.
Legacy Continues in the Middle East
At 30 years old, Oshoala brings unmatched pedigree to the Saudi league:
- Over 100 goals for Barcelona.
- Titles across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- A global brand and vocal advocate for African women in football.
Her transfer to Al Hilal is not just a personal moveโit reflects a broader trend of international stars elevating the visibility and competitiveness of womenโs football in the Middle East.
Asisat Oshoala Club Career: From Liverpool to Bay FC
Asisat Oshoala, one of Africa’s most decorated female footballers, has made history across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Her journey from Nigeria to top clubs around the world showcases her incredible talent, goal-scoring prowess, and leadership on and off the pitch.
๐ฌ๐ง Liverpool FC (2015โ2016)
In January 2015, Asisat Oshoala signed with Liverpool Ladies FC, making history as the first African woman to play in Englandโs top-tier Womenโs Super League (WSL). Her arrival was praised by then-manager Matt Beard, who called her โone of the best young players in the world.โ
Despite missing part of the 2015 season due to a knee injury, Oshoala scored 3 goals in 9 appearances, including:
- The opening goal in a 2โ1 win over Birmingham City.
- A crucial goal in a 2โ1 victory against Manchester City.
- Another strike in a 3โ1 triumph over Arsenal.
Her performances quickly attracted attention from other top English clubs.
๐ด Arsenal WFC (2016)
In March 2016, Oshoala joined Arsenal Women, after her release clause was triggered. Arsenal manager Pedro Losa praised her speed, technical skill, and eye for goal.
Highlights:
- Played a key role in Arsenalโs 2016 FA Womenโs Cup victory, marking the club’s 14th title.
- Scored the game-winner in a 2โ0 win against Notts County.
- Contributed 2 goals in 13 appearances as Arsenal finished third in the league.
๐จ๐ณ Dalian Quanjian (2017โ2018)
In February 2017, Oshoala transferred to Chinese giants Dalian Quanjian. Her impact in China was immediate and dominant:
- 2017 Chinese Womenโs Super League Golden Boot winner with 12 goals.
- Helped Dalian win the league title and the Super Cup, scoring 4 goals in the latter.
- Repeated the feat in 2018, winning a second consecutive league championship.
Her success in China further elevated her global status.
๐ช๐ธ FC Barcelona Femenรญ (2019โ2024)
๐ Historic Loan and Full Transfer
On January 31, 2019, Barcelona signed Oshoala on loan from Dalian. After scoring 7 goals in 7 appearances, her transfer was made permanent in May 2019.
Champions League Breakthrough
- On May 18, 2019, Oshoala became the first African woman to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League Final, netting Barcelonaโs lone goal in a 4โ1 loss to Lyon.
- In 2021, she made history again as the first African woman to win the UEFA Womenโs Champions League, as Barcelona beat Chelsea 4โ0 in the final.
Dominant Seasons
- 2019โ20 Season: Scored 20 goals in 19 appearances, helping Barcelona finish unbeaten (19โ0โ2).
- Notable performances include:
- A brace against Atlรฉtico Madrid.
- Four goals in a 6โ0 rout of CD Tacon.
- Assists and goals in key Copa de la Reina matches and Champions League ties.
Legacy at Barcelona
- Total Stats: 162 appearances, 117 goals
- Honors: 14 trophies, including two trebles and a historic quadruple in the 2023โ24 season.
- Ranked as the 4th all-time top scorer in Barcelona Womenโs history.
๐บ๐ธ Bay FC (2024โPresent)
On February 1, 2024, Asisat Oshoala joined Bay FC, a new National Womenโs Soccer League (NWSL) team in the United States.
- She made an instant impact by scoring Bay FCโs first-ever goal in a 1โ0 debut win against Angel City FC.
Summary of Club Career Achievements
| Club | Years | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool (WSL) | 2015โ2016 | First African woman in WSL; 3 goals in 9 games |
| Arsenal (WSL) | 2016 | FA Cup Champion; 2 goals in 13 appearances |
| Dalian Quanjian | 2017โ2018 | 2ร League Champion, 1ร Golden Boot Winner |
| Barcelona (Spain) | 2019โ2024 | 117 goals in 162 games; Champions League Winner; 14 trophies |
| Bay FC (NWSL) | 2024โpresent | Scored debut goal; First in club history |