It’s official. Arsenal Women have confirmed the signing of Spanish international goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez following her departure from Real Madrid. The 27-year-old arrives in north London on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal with an option for a further year.
And here’s a lovely detail — she signed on her birthday.
From Las Palmas to London Via Madrid
Rodriguez isn’t just any goalkeeper. She’s Real Madrid’s all-time record appearance maker, their former captain, and a two-time Zamora Trophy winner. That’s the award given to Spain’s best goalkeeper based on the lowest goals-per-game ratio.
Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Rodriguez started out playing up front as a kid. Goalkeeping, she once admitted, seemed boring to her. Funny how things work out.
She developed at CD Femarguin before joining Atletico Madrid in 2017. A move to Deportivo La Coruna followed in 2019. Then came the defining chapter.
When Real Madrid formed their women’s team in 2020, Rodriguez was among the very first signings. She won the Zamora Trophy in her debut season, claimed it again in 2022/23, and racked up an incredible 215 appearances across all competitions.
No other player in Real Madrid Women’s history has pulled on the shirt more often. She was named club captain in 2025, and her departure in June drew an emotional farewell from the club.
Real Madrid’s official statement said it all: they expressed “affection and gratitude to Misa for always representing the values of Real Madrid.”
Why Arsenal Needed Her
On the surface, Arsenal don’t seem short in goal. Daphne van Domselaar has been the first-choice keeper, and Anneke Borbe joined from Wolfsburg. So why bring in another top-level goalkeeper?
The answer is simple: depth and durability.
Van Domselaar has battled persistent injuries. She missed the most recent Netherlands squad due to a scheduled surgery, casting doubt over her availability for the start of the new season. Last year, Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation became a genuine crisis when Manuela Zinsberger suffered a serious injury, forcing the club into an emergency January loan for Barbora Votikova.
Both Zinsberger and Votikova have since left the club. That painful experience clearly shaped Arsenal’s summer planning.
Rodriguez joins alongside teenage Danish prospect Isabella Damm, who arrived from Brondby IF. The Gunners now have four goalkeepers — real security for a squad competing across the WSL and Champions League.
Head coach Renee Slegers described Rodriguez as “a top goalkeeper who has performed consistently at a high level for several years.” She also highlighted Rodriguez’s communication and presence — qualities you can’t teach.
Arsenal’s Ambitious Summer Takes Shape
Rodriguez becomes Arsenal’s seventh signing this summer and their fifth free transfer. Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, Selina Cerci, and Geraldine Reuteler all arrived without a fee. Lisa Baum joined from RB Leipzig for a reported six-figure sum.
It’s been a deliberate, calculated window. Arsenal haven’t just replaced departing players like Beth Mead, Katie McCabe, and Zinsberger. They’ve reshaped the squad with experienced internationals who are entering their prime years.
Don’t forget the bigger picture either. Arsenal won the UEFA Women’s Champions League last season, beating Barcelona 1-0 in the final in Lisbon. It was their first European title in 18 years. The expectation now? Defend it.
Rodriguez brings exactly the kind of pedigree that campaign demands:
- 215 appearances for Real Madrid — a club record
- 24 senior caps for Spain
- Part of Spain’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup winning squad
- UEFA Nations League winner in 2024
- Two-time Zamora Trophy winner
Speaking after signing, Rodriguez didn’t hold back her excitement: “Arsenal is one of the top clubs in the world and I’m really excited to be part of the team and take on this new challenge. I want to help us compete for trophies and make more history, together with our supporters.”
She’ll wear the number 16 shirt at the Emirates.
For a player who once found goalkeeping boring, Rodriguez has built a career that’s been anything but. And for Arsenal, she represents exactly what this summer has been about — smart, ambitious, future-proof recruitment.
The Gunners aren’t just building a squad. They’re building a dynasty.
