Gotham FC have signed Spain international defender Leila Ouahabi as a free agent on a contract through the 2028 season. The experienced full-back joins Gotham after leaving Chicago Stars FC and will wear the No. 4 shirt for her new club.
Ouahabi was introduced to Gotham supporters at half-time of the club’s match against Angel City FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday.
The move gives Gotham another highly experienced option in defence, with Ouahabi having won major honours in England and Spain as well as the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Transfer snapshot
Player: Leila Ouahabi
Position: Defender / left-back
From: Free agent (most recently Chicago Stars FC)
To: Gotham FC
Contract: Through 2028
Squad number: 4
Transfer type: Free agent
Ouahabi signs for Gotham FC
The 33-year-old arrives as a free agent after a short spell with Chicago Stars. Ouahabi joined Chicago in June and made 11 appearances, including nine starts, recording 838 minutes before the two parties mutually agreed to terminate her contract.
Her move to Gotham means she will remain in the NWSL rather than returning to Europe. “I’m very excited to join Gotham FC and begin this next chapter of my career,” Ouahabi said.
She highlighted Gotham’s ambitions and winning mentality and said she hopes to use her experience to help the club compete for further trophies.
Gotham president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West described Ouahabi as an experienced and versatile defender who has competed at the highest level.
An experienced addition to Gotham’s defence
Before moving to the United States, Ouahabi spent four seasons with Manchester City and made more than 100 appearances across all competitions.
Her final campaign in Manchester ended with major silverware, as City won both the Women’s Super League and FA Cup in 2025/26.
Ouahabi had previously enjoyed two spells with Barcelona, where she established herself as one of Spain’s most decorated defenders. She won five Spanish league titles and seven Copa de la Reina trophies during her time with the Catalan club.
One of the biggest achievements of her career came in 2020/21, when she helped Barcelona win their first UEFA Women’s Champions League as part of a historic continental treble.
That experience adds to a Gotham squad with ambitions of competing for trophies domestically.
More than 60 appearances for Spain
Ouahabi also brings extensive international experience. The defender has made more than 60 appearances for Spain and represented her country at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
She was also selected for Spain’s squads at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and Euro 2025. Now her focus turns to Gotham, where the Spanish defender has committed her future through the end of the 2028 season.
Source: Gotham FC
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