The Asisat Oshoala transfer away from FC Barcelona Femení side to National Women's Soccer League club Bay FC in the United States is still making the rounds across the social media space.
Oshoala announced her departure from the Spanish giants to Bay FC on Thursday, 1 February 2024 through her instagram handle after signing a two-year deal reportedly worth $162,000 with an option to extend for another year.
The Super Falcons striker joined Barcelona on a permanent basis on a three-year deal after an impressive loan spell from Chinese side Dalian Quanjian in 2019.
The 29-year-old went on to make many memorable contributions that will continue to echo through the tapestry of Spanish women's football. This she did all through her five-year stay at the club where she achieved unprecedented success for Barcelona Femení and individually as a player.
Asisat Oshoala transfer announcement post
“As I bid farewell to this incredible team and the city that has been my home for the past five years, I am filled with mixed emotions,” Oshoala said in a post on Instagram.
“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to wear the Barcelona Femini 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.”
She continued: “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 Barcelona Femení 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,” She added.
In the football world, movement of players from one club to another is part of what makes the beautiful game exciting and interesting as it generates revenue for parties involved and causes excitement for the fans.
Without much ado, let's delve into five notable accomplishments of the player popularly known as “Agba Baller” in Nigeria.
Five BIG Asisat Oshoala's achievements at FC Barcelona
Having spent a total of five years with the Catalan side, Oshoala achieved what most female footballers can only dream of. Out of the many personal and club accolades the Lagos-born Nigerian enjoyed while at Barcelona Femení, here are five that stood out!
1. 117 goals in 162 games for Oshoala
Oshoala's glaring contribution to Barcelona's Femení team is there for all to see.
In her five-year stay at the club, she scored 117 goals across five seasons (four full seasons and two half seasons). Interestingly, this goal tally places Oshoala as the fourth highest goalscorer for the Barcelona women's professional team, only behind Alexia Putellas, Jenni Hermoso and Sónia Bermúdez.
As mentioned earlier, she arrived in the winter transfer window of January 2019, and went on to score 8 goals in 11 games that half-season.
In her first full season, 2019/20, she scored 30 goals in 22 games, followed by 22 goals in 37 games in the 2020/21 season, and then 22 goals in 28 games in the 2021/22 season.
The 2022/23 campaign was her final full season, when she scored 27 goals in 40 games, and she has scored 8 goals in 14 games so far this current 2023/24 season before leaving for Bay FC.
Asisat Oshoala leaves Barcelona Femeni, after winning 14 trophies in 5 years at the club.
She is Barcelona Femeni's Third Highest Goalscorer of All Time with 117 goals in 162 games.
She is the first African to win the UEFA Women's Champions League and Spanish Women's Primera… pic.twitter.com/E9tayOyT9L
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) February 1, 2024
2. 14 trophies haul for Oshoala at FC Barcelona
Oshoala has an endearing legacy in Barcelona with numerous trophies to show for her hardwork and dedication all through her five-year stay.
Her trophy haul is rounded off with nothing less than 14 silverwares with the celebrated African star winning 2 Champions Leagues, 4 Spanish Leagues, 3 Copa de la Reinas, 4 Spanish Super Cups, and 1 Catalan Cup as a Blaugrana.
3. Three CAF Women's Footballer of the Year awards
Having already won three CAF Women's Footballer of the Year awards before joining FC Barcelona Femení side, Oshoala's brilliant performances between 2019 to 2023 for both club and country ensured that she won more CAF awards.
While at the club, the former Liverpool star won the CAF Player of the Year award in 2019, 2022, and 2023 to become the only African to win the award six times.
These legendary achievements have made her to be celebrated as one of the greatest African female footballers of all time and one of the best in the world.
4. First African female footballer to win the UEFA Champions League & first to score in the Champions League final
Oshoala became the first African woman to win the UEFA Champions League on 16 May 2021 after Barcelona defeated Chelsea 4-0 in the finals.
But two years before that, she scored in the final of the 2019 Champions League to become the first African (and Nigerian) to find the back of the net in the final of this prestigious European competition.
It is yet to be seen who will be the next to join Oshoala in having this big individual record in the Champions League.
5. Three-time top scorer in Spanish Women's League
Oshoala, who is a two-time Ballon D’or nominee, topped the scorers chart in three seasons of the Women's League in Spain.
Her goal-scoring prowess helped the club to win four league titles, three Spanish Super Cups, the Copa de la Reina three times, and UEFA Women’s Champions League twice in 2021 and 2023.
This article was most recently revised and updated 8 months ago
