Chicago Stars FC have completed the signing of experienced Spain international Leila Ouahabi on a three-year contract through the end of the 2028 NWSL season.
The 33-year-old defender arrives as a free agent following the conclusion of her contract with Manchester City, bringing with her more than a decade of experience at the highest levels of European football.
For Chicago, the acquisition represents one of the most significant defensive signings of the summer. For Ouahabi, it marks the beginning of a new chapter after successful spells in Spain and England that established her as one of the most respected left-backs in the women’s game.
Chicago Add Proven Winner to Their Back Line
Few defenders available on the market could match Ouahabi’s combination of experience, success and international pedigree.
The Spanish international joins Chicago after helping Manchester City secure a historic domestic double, winning both the Women’s Super League title and the Women’s FA Cup during the 2025-26 campaign.
Her departure brings an end to a four-year stay in Manchester, where she made 106 appearances across all competitions and became a key figure in the club’s defensive structure.
Across 68 Women’s Super League appearances, Ouahabi developed a reputation for consistency, tactical intelligence and reliability in possession. Those qualities helped City maintain one of the strongest defensive records in England while competing for major honours.
Reflecting on her move to the United States, Ouahabi expressed excitement about the challenge ahead.
“This is a new challenge in my career, and I can’t wait to meet my teammates and start playing. Chicago is building a great project, and I think this is the right place to be to compete at my best.”
From Barcelona Legend to NWSL Arrival
While her achievements in England were impressive, Ouahabi’s legacy was largely built during her time at Barcelona. After beginning her professional career with the Catalan club, she spent three years at Valencia before returning to Barcelona in 2016 for what became one of the most successful periods in club history.
During her second spell at Barça, Ouahabi won three league titles, five Copa de la Reina trophies, two Spanish Super Cups and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She was also part of Barcelona’s historic 2021 treble-winning team that conquered domestic and European football in the same season.
At a time when Barcelona were establishing themselves as the dominant force in women’s football, Leila Ouahabi became an important figure within a squad packed with world-class talent. Her ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from the left flank made her a valuable asset throughout one of the club’s golden eras.
International Experience at the Highest Level
Ouahabi’s résumé extends far beyond club football. The defender has earned 66 caps for Spain and has represented her country at multiple major international tournaments, including the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and UEFA Women’s European Championships in 2022 and 2025.
She played an important role during Spain’s run to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, where La Roja narrowly missed out on the title after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat against England.
Having first represented Spain at youth level before making her senior debut in 2016, Ouahabi has remained a consistent presence within one of the strongest national teams in the world.
That experience should prove invaluable for a Chicago squad looking to add leadership and winning mentality to its roster.
Why This Move Matters for Chicago Stars
The arrival of Ouahabi reflects the increasing ability of NWSL clubs to attract established international stars from Europe’s biggest leagues.
In recent years, the league has become an increasingly attractive destination for elite players seeking a new challenge while competing in one of the most physically demanding and competitive environments in world football.
For Chicago, signing a player with experience at Barcelona, Manchester City and Spain sends a strong signal about the club’s ambitions.
President Karen Leetzow described Leila Ouahabi as a “proven winner” capable of strengthening the team’s defensive unit immediately. That assessment appears well-founded.
Few players can offer experience of winning league titles in multiple countries, competing deep into Champions League campaigns and representing one of the world’s leading national teams.
A New Challenge Across the Atlantic
The NWSL presents a very different test from the football Ouahabi has known throughout her career.
The league’s competitive balance, physical intensity and travel demands often require an adjustment period for European arrivals. However, Ouahabi’s experience and adaptability suggest she is well-equipped for the transition.
At 33, she arrives not as a player winding down her career, but as someone fresh from one of the most successful seasons of her professional journey. For Chicago Stars, the signing provides immediate quality and leadership.
For Ouahabi, it offers the opportunity to leave her mark on a new league after already achieving almost everything possible in European football. As the Stars continue building their project for the coming years, adding a defender with Ouahabi’s résumé could become one of the smartest moves of their summer recruitment strategy.
Source: Chicago Stars
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