San Diego Wave FC has made another significant statement in the transfer market, announcing the signing of Spanish international goalkeeper Sandra Paños on a three-year contract through the 2028 season.
The move brings one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in women’s football to the NWSL and further underlines San Diego’s ambitions of competing for championships. Paños arrives following a title-winning campaign with Club América and becomes the latest high-profile addition to a Wave squad that has also secured the long-term future of defender Kristen McNabb and welcomed U.S. Women’s National Team star Catarina Macario.
Sandra Paños Arrives After Championship Success in Mexico
Paños joins San Diego from Liga MX Femenil side Club América, where she spent the last three seasons establishing herself as one of the league’s standout goalkeepers.
The Spanish veteran helped América capture the 2026 Clausura title and was named “Portera de la Final” after her performances in the championship series. Across 72 appearances for the club, Paños consistently delivered elite-level performances and finished the 2026 campaign with the league’s second-best goals-against record, conceding just 13 goals.
Her success in Mexico followed a remarkable era at FC Barcelona, where she became the most successful goalkeeper in the club’s history. During nine seasons with the Catalan giants, Paños made 279 appearances, recorded 171 clean sheets and won 23 major trophies.
Among her achievements were three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, five Liga F championships and four Zamora Trophies, awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio in Spain’s top division. She was also named UEFA Women’s Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season and earned a Ballon d’Or nomination in 2021.
Before starring for Barcelona and América, Paños began her professional career with Levante UD, making 114 appearances between 2010 and 2015.
What Sandra Paños Will Add to San Diego Wave FC
Elite Championship Experience
Few goalkeepers in world football can match Paños’ résumé.
The 33-year-old arrives having won league titles in Spain and Mexico, along with multiple UEFA Women’s Champions League crowns. That experience could prove invaluable for a San Diego team aiming to establish itself as a consistent championship contender in the NWSL.
Leadership and Defensive Organization
Beyond her shot-stopping ability, Paños has built a reputation as a commanding presence in the penalty area and an organizer of defensive units.
Throughout her career, she has anchored some of the strongest defensive teams in women’s football, helping Barcelona and América maintain elite defensive records. Her communication, positioning and game management should provide an immediate boost to the Wave’s back line.
World-Class Distribution
Modern goalkeepers are expected to contribute to build-up play, and Paños has long been regarded as one of the most technically gifted goalkeepers in the women’s game.
Her comfort in possession aligns with the style many top clubs are adopting globally. The Spanish international’s ability to play through pressure and initiate attacks from deep positions should help San Diego control matches more effectively and transition quickly from defense to attack.
A Clear Sign of San Diego’s Ambition
The signing of Paños is not an isolated move. Instead, it represents another step in a broader strategy by San Diego Wave FC to assemble a roster capable of competing with the best teams in the NWSL.
Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton described Paños as a “world-class goalkeeper” whose experience and leadership will strengthen the club’s pursuit of championships.
By adding one of the most decorated goalkeepers in women’s football, San Diego has addressed a key position while simultaneously raising the overall level of experience and competition within the squad.
Wave Continue Building Around Core Stars
Catarina Macario Returns Home
Paños’ arrival follows another landmark move by the club earlier this season.
In March, San Diego acquired U.S. Women’s National Team forward Catarina Macario from Chelsea on a contract running through 2030 under the NWSL’s High Impact Player Rule.
The San Diego native returned home after successful spells with Lyon and Chelsea, bringing an impressive record that includes nine major trophies at club level and 16 goals in 29 appearances for the USWNT.
Widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted attacking players in the game, Macario adds creativity, goals and international star power to the Wave’s long-term project.
Kristen McNabb Commits Her Future
Continuity remains just as important as recruitment, and San Diego secured another key piece of its foundation by extending defender Kristen McNabb through the 2027 season.
A member of the club since its inaugural campaign in 2022, McNabb recently became the all-time leader in regular-season appearances for the organization. The veteran defender has been a cornerstone of the Wave back line and continues to provide consistency, leadership and durability.
Keeping McNabb in San Diego ensures the club retains one of its most reliable performers while integrating high-profile additions such as Paños and Macario.
Final Thoughts
The acquisition of Sandra Paños may prove to be one of the most significant NWSL transfers of the year.
With a trophy cabinet that includes Champions League titles, domestic championships and individual accolades earned across Spain and Mexico, the veteran goalkeeper arrives in San Diego with the pedigree of a proven winner.
Combined with the arrival of Catarina Macario and the retention of club leader Kristen McNabb, the move reflects a clear message from San Diego Wave FC: the club is building not only for the future but also to compete for trophies right now.
If Paños can replicate the form that made her one of Europe’s most respected goalkeepers, San Diego’s championship ambitions will receive a major boost heading into the coming seasons.
Source: San Diego Wave
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