Leila Ouahabi joins Gotham after leaving Chicago Stars

Leila Ouahabi is joining Gotham, leaving Chicago Stars to continue her career in the NWSL. The 33-year-old Spain international moves from the bottom side to the competition’s leaders. This new chapter follows spells at Barcelona, Valencia and Manchester City, and her first period in the United States.

Announced as a new Chicago player on June 16, Ouahabi had signed a three-season deal. Her time with the team is ending after three months: she played 11 matches, totalling 838 minutes, and received two yellow cards. Gotham, coached by Juan Carlos Amorós, currently leads the NWSL regular season with 54 points from 26 matches.

Vlatko Andonovski, Chicago Stars’ director of football, paid tribute to her contribution: “We want to thank Leila for her professionalism and her contributions to our club during her time in Chicago.” He added that, after speaking with the player, both sides agreed this was the right move, and wished her the best in the next stage of her career.

Ouahabi said she was “very excited” to join Gotham and begin a new chapter. She wants to bring her experience to the group and help the team compete for more titles. Yael Averbuch West, Gotham’s president of football operations, described her as an experienced, versatile defender with a winning mentality, and highlighted her experience in Europe and the NWSL.