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 Women’s 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.
🤳🏼 "لنستمتع ونصنع الذكريات سويًا" 🔹
— سيدات الهلال (@alhilal_ws) September 2, 2025
"أوشوالا" بعد توقيعها 💙
“Let’s have fun and create memories together” 🤳
A message to you, leaders 💙 pic.twitter.com/pu8WcgC9qp
🇺🇸 Farewell to Bay FC
Oshoala departs from Bay FC after a trailblazing stint in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She made history by scoring Bay FC’s 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 “excused” on the team sheet.
🇸🇦 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 2024–25 season to title contention.
At the 2024 Women’s 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 move—it reflects a broader trend of international stars elevating the visibility and competitiveness of women’s 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.
🇬🇧 Liverpool FC (2015–2016)
In January 2015, Asisat Oshoala signed with Liverpool Ladies FC, making history as the first African woman to play in England’s top-tier Women’s Super League (WSL). Her arrival was praised by then-manager Matt Beard, who called her “one of the best young players in the world.”
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 2–1 win over Birmingham City.
- A crucial goal in a 2–1 victory against Manchester City.
- Another strike in a 3–1 triumph over Arsenal.
Her performances quickly attracted attention from other top English clubs.
🔴 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 Arsenal’s 2016 FA Women’s Cup victory, marking the club’s 14th title.
- Scored the game-winner in a 2–0 win against Notts County.
- Contributed 2 goals in 13 appearances as Arsenal finished third in the league.
🇨🇳 Dalian Quanjian (2017–2018)
In February 2017, Oshoala transferred to Chinese giants Dalian Quanjian. Her impact in China was immediate and dominant:
- 2017 Chinese Women’s 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.
🇪🇸 FC Barcelona Femení (2019–2024)
🌟 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 Barcelona’s lone goal in a 4–1 loss to Lyon.
- In 2021, she made history again as the first African woman to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League, as Barcelona beat Chelsea 4–0 in the final.
Dominant Seasons
- 2019–20 Season: Scored 20 goals in 19 appearances, helping Barcelona finish unbeaten (19–0–2).
- Notable performances include:
- A brace against Atlético Madrid.
- Four goals in a 6–0 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 2023–24 season.
- Ranked as the 4th all-time top scorer in Barcelona Women’s history.
🇺🇸 Bay FC (2024–Present)
On February 1, 2024, Asisat Oshoala joined Bay FC, a new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team in the United States.
- She made an instant impact by scoring Bay FC’s first-ever goal in a 1–0 debut win against Angel City FC.
Summary of Club Career Achievements
| Club | Years | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool (WSL) | 2015–2016 | First African woman in WSL; 3 goals in 9 games |
| Arsenal (WSL) | 2016 | FA Cup Champion; 2 goals in 13 appearances |
| Dalian Quanjian | 2017–2018 | 2× League Champion, 1× Golden Boot Winner |
| Barcelona (Spain) | 2019–2024 | 117 goals in 162 games; Champions League Winner; 14 trophies |
| Bay FC (NWSL) | 2024–present | Scored debut goal; First in club history |