Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala has taken the next step in her glittering career, sealing a permanent move to Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al-Hilal.
The 30-year-old forward signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club, bringing an end to her brief spell with Bay FC in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Oshoala only joined Bay FC in February 2024 after a record-breaking stint at Barcelona Femeni, but Al-Hilal moved swiftly to secure her signature as the Saudi league continues to attract global talent.
A new challenge in Saudi Arabia
The move represents another milestone for the Super Falcons star, who has consistently broken barriers in women’s football. From dominating in Europe with Barcelona to blazing a trail in America with Bay FC, Oshoala now brings her experience and star power to the Middle East.
She becomes one of the biggest names to feature in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, a competition rapidly gaining international recognition thanks to heavy investment and high-profile signings.
For Al-Hilal, the acquisition of a proven goalscorer is a statement of intent as they push to challenge domestically and showcase Saudi Arabia’s ambition on the women’s football stage.
Bay FC bids farewell
Oshoala’s departure is bittersweet for Bay FC, where she was one of the club’s marquee signings ahead of their debut NWSL season.
Bay FC sporting director Matt Potter praised her impact both on and off the pitch.
“Asisat has been an incredibly important part of Bay FC history, not only with her impact on the pitch but also through the energy, professionalism, and kindness she brought every day,” Potter said in a club statement.
“She is a world-class player and an even better person, and we are grateful for everything she contributed to our club in its first season. We wish her nothing but success as she takes this next step in her career with Al-Hilal.”
In 38 appearances for the San Jose-based side, Oshoala registered seven goals. While those numbers may not have matched her prolific Barcelona days, she played an important role in laying the foundations of Bay FC’s identity.
A decorated career continues
Oshoala’s journey to Saudi Arabia adds another chapter to one of African football’s most remarkable stories.
Her career began with Nigerian clubs FC Robo and Rivers Angels before a breakthrough move to Liverpool in 2015. A short stint with Arsenal followed, and then came the transfer that cemented her place among the world’s elite: Barcelona.
In Spain, she won multiple league titles and a UEFA Women’s Champions League crown, becoming Africa’s most decorated female footballer. Her goals, pace, and charisma made her a fan favourite at Camp Nou.
Internationally, Oshoala remains the heartbeat of Nigeria’s Super Falcons. She has represented the national team at three World Cups, won multiple Africa Women’s Championships, and inspired a new generation of African players.
A bold step forward
For Oshoala, the decision to join Al-Hilal appears to be as much about legacy as it is about football. At 30, she brings leadership and experience to a league eager to make its mark globally.
The Saudi Women’s Premier League has already benefited from significant investment in infrastructure and player recruitment. Oshoala’s arrival adds not only firepower but also credibility, signalling the country’s intent to be a serious destination for top-tier talent.
Fans in Riyadh will expect Oshoala to deliver goals and trophies, but her presence may prove just as valuable in inspiring a new wave of female players in Saudi Arabia and across the region.
Looking ahead
As she prepares to wear Al-Hilal blue, Oshoala has the chance to further cement her reputation as one of football’s true pioneers. Few players have carried the hopes of a continent quite like her, and fewer still have consistently risen to the challenge.
Whether in Liverpool, Barcelona, San Jose or now Riyadh, Asisat Oshoala has never stopped breaking new ground. Her latest move ensures the world will keep watching.
