Barcelona and Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala has made a significant move in her career, joining the NWSL expansion team Bay FC. Oshoala, 29, has signed a contract with the San Francisco Bay Area-based club, securing her place until 2026 with an option to extend for the 2027 season. The transfer has been met with excitement and anticipation from both Bay FC and NWSL fans.
Bay FC's general manager, Lucy Rushton, expressed her enthusiasm for Oshoala's arrival, highlighting her exceptional qualities and achievements. Rushton stated that the addition of a player of Oshoala's caliber is a significant milestone for the club and the NWSL as a whole. Oshoala's presence on the field, combined with her speed and technical proficiency, will undoubtedly make her a pivotal player for Bay FC. Her experience and winning mindset will bring a positive impact to the team, allowing other players to thrive and showcasing her knack for scoring goals.
Before joining Bay FC, Oshoala had an impressive tenure with Barcelona. She joined the Catalan giants in 2019 from Dalian Quanjian in China. Prior to that, she had played in England's Women's Super League with Liverpool and Arsenal. During her time with Barcelona, Oshoala won four Liga F titles, two UEFA Women's Champions Leagues, and three Copas de la Reina, solidifying her status as one of the top players in world football.
In a heartfelt Instagram post announcing her departure, Oshoala expressed her gratitude to Barcelona and the city that had been her home for the past five years. She described it as an honor and privilege to wear the Barcelona jersey, showcasing her immense pride in representing such a prestigious club. Oshoala also acknowledged the strong bonds and relationships she had formed with her teammates, coaches, staff, and the passionate fans. She thanked them for their unwavering support and love throughout her time at Barcelona.
Oshoala's impact on the field cannot be overstated. With an incredible tally of 107 goals in 149 appearances for Barcelona, she has consistently displayed her scoring prowess. Her exceptional performances have not gone unnoticed, as she has been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or Féminin twice.
Bay FC, who will play their inaugural season in the NWSL in 2024, is set to share a stadium with the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer. This collaboration between the two teams will undoubtedly create a vibrant and passionate atmosphere for Bay FC's matches, further elevating the status of women's soccer in the Bay Area.
As Oshoala embarks on this new chapter in her career, both she and Bay FC aim to achieve further success and make a positive impact on women's soccer in the NWSL. The excitement surrounding her arrival reflects the growing popularity and recognition of women's soccer, as talented players from around the world continue to join the league.
Fans eagerly await the start of Bay FC's inaugural season, where they can witness Oshoala's skills, leadership, and goal-scoring ability in action. With her signing, Bay FC has made a strong statement of intent, solidifying their ambition to compete at the highest level of women's soccer and bring more attention to the sport in the San Francisco Bay Area.
