No African woman has won the continent’s player of the year award more often than Asisat Oshoala. She has won it six times.
The Nigerian striker has spent more than a decade at the top of the women’s game, from Lagos to Liverpool, Barcelona and the United States.
Early years
Oshoala grew up in Lagos and began playing football against the wishes of some family members, who worried about her education. She broke through with Nigeria’s youth teams and shone at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where Nigeria finished as runners-up and she won the best player and top scorer awards.
England and China
Oshoala moved to England to play for Liverpool and then Arsenal, before a spell in China with Dalian.
A pioneer in England
In January 2015, Oshoala became the first African player to compete in England’s Women’s Super League when she joined Liverpool. She won the FA Women’s Cup with Arsenal in 2016.
Barcelona
In 2019, she joined Barcelona, first on loan and then permanently. She became a key forward for one of the strongest teams in women’s football, scoring freely and helping Barcelona dominate in Spain.
In 2024, she became the first African player to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League three times.
Six awards
Oshoala won the African Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023, moving past her compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha for the most wins.
Bay FC
In 2024, Oshoala joined Bay FC, a new team in the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States. She scored the club’s first ever goal.
The Super Falcons
Oshoala has been a leading player for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the most successful women’s team in Africa. She has won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with them and played at World Cups and the Olympics.
Trophies in China
With Dalian in China, she won two league championships and a cup, adding to a trophy collection that spans four countries.
Beyond the pitch
Oshoala runs a foundation that supports young girls in football and education, and she has spoken out about equal treatment and pay for women players.
A record that inspires
When Oshoala was a girl, her family worried football would ruin her future. Six continental awards later, girls across Nigeria wear her name on their shirts.
