Gotham FC Signs Spanish International Defender Leila Ouahabi

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (Oct. 4, 2026) – Gotham FC has signed Spanish international defender Leila Ouahabi as a free agent to a contract through the 2028 season, the club announced Sunday, in partnership with Dove.

Ouahabi was introduced in a surprise to Gotham FC fans at halftime of the club’s match against Angel City FC on Sunday at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Ouahabi, a fullback who will wear No. 4 for Gotham FC, brings extensive experience at the highest levels of club and international soccer, winning numerous domestic titles and the UEFA Women’s Champions League during a decorated career in Europe.

“I’m very excited to join Gotham FC and begin this next chapter of my career,” said Ouahabi. “This is a club with big ambitions and a winning mentality, and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the group and competing for more trophies. I’m ready to get to work, help the team in any way I can and represent Gotham FC and its supporters.”

“Leila is an experienced defender who has competed and won at the highest levels of the game,” said Yael Averbuch West, the president of soccer operations for Gotham FC. “She brings quality, versatility and a winning mentality to our back line, along with valuable experience in both Europe and the NWSL. We’re delighted to welcome Leila to Gotham FC and look forward to what she will bring to our group.”

Ouahabi joins Gotham FC after most recently playing for Chicago Stars FC, where she made 11 appearances, including nine starts, after joining the club in June. She logged 838 minutes before mutually agreeing to terminate her contract with Chicago.

Prior to moving to the NWSL, Ouahabi spent four seasons with Manchester City, where she made more than 100 appearances across all competitions and helped City win the Women’s Super League title and FA Cup during the 2025-26 campaign.

Ouahabi previously enjoyed two stints with Barcelona, where she began her professional career and established herself as one of Spain’s most accomplished defenders. During her time with the club, she won five Spanish league titles and seven Copa de la Reina trophies.

She also helped Barcelona capture the UEFA Women’s Champions League title during the 2020-21 season, part of a historic campaign in which the club completed a continental treble.

On the international stage, Ouahabi has made more than 60 appearances for the Spanish women’s national team. She represented Spain at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was selected to the country’s squads for both UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and 2025.