In a major statement of intent for the Barclays Women's Super League, Arsenal Women have officially finalized the marquee signing of World Cup-winning Spanish international goalkeeper Misa RodrÃguez on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old former Real Madrid captain arrives at London Colney following the expiry of her contract in the Spanish capital. She will wear the No. 16 shirt for Renée Slegers' side as the Gunners assemble a star-studded squad aiming to wrest the league title away from reigning champions Manchester City.
The Profile: A Legend Leaves Madrid
RodrÃguez leaves Spain having written her name into the history books as Real Madrid's all-time record appearance holder. Since joining Las Blancas at their inception in 2020, she amassed 215 appearances, led the side as team captain during the 2025/26 season, and earned two Zamora Trophies as Liga F’s standout shot-stopper.
| Attribute | Career Highlight & Stats |
| Full Name | MarÃa Isabel "Misa" RodrÃguez Rivero |
| International Caps | 24 Senior Caps (Spain 🇪🇸) |
| Major Honors | 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, 2024 UEFA Nations League |
| Individual Accolades | 2x Zamora Trophy Winner (2020/21, 2022/23) |
| Real Madrid Legacy | 215 appearances (Club record appearance maker) |
Overhauling the Goalkeeping Unit
Misa's arrival comes as part of a significant summer restructuring in North London. Following the departures of long-serving keepers Manu Zinsberger and Naomi Williams, Arsenal have completely rebuilt their options between the posts:
Elite Competition: Misa will compete directly with Dutch international Daphne van Domselaar and Anneke Borbe for the starting spot.
Spanish Reunion: Misa joins fellow World Cup winners Mariona Caldentey, Laia Codina, and Ona Batlle in North London, creating an established core of elite Spanish talent.
Head Coach Renée Slegers: "Misa is a top goalkeeper who has performed consistently at a high level for several years. As well as her technical attributes, she has great presence and communication on the pitch and we believe she'll be a strong addition to our goalkeeping unit."
"Arsenal are a Top Team": Misa's First Words
Speaking at the Sobha Realty Training Centre after putting pen to paper, the Gran Canaria native expressed her excitement at taking on a new challenge in England:
"I'm very happy and proud to be part of this great club. Arsenal are a leading club and one of the best teams in the world. I spoke with Mariona and Codi—they are very happy that I've made the move. I'm very intense, I like to be vocal and help the defense from behind, and I'm really looking forward to getting started."
By bringing in a proven leader who possesses exceptional distribution, high-line sweeping ability, and championship-winning mentality for zero transfer fee, Arsenal have pulled off one of the bargains of the summer window. Misa’s presence gives the Gunners unmatched depth as they launch their campaign across domestic and European fronts.
