Former Real Madrid captain Misa Rodriguez arrives with an outstanding pedigree, leaving Renée Slegers with an enviable decision to make.
Arsenal have announced the signing of 27-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez, who joins after a long career in Madrid.
Rodriguez was made Real Madrid captain in 2025 and departs the Spanish capital with 215 appearances to her name – more than any other player in the club’s history.
At international level, Misa made her senior Spain debut in 2021 and has gone on to earn 24 caps. She was part of the Spain squad that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, starting all three of her country’s group-stage matches. She also helped Spain win the UEFA Nations League in 2024.
“I’m so proud to join this great club,” said Misa.
“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.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “We’re delighted to bring Misa to Arsenal. She’s a proven goalkeeper at both club and international level and brings with her a wealth of experience. On behalf of everyone at Arsenal, I’d like to welcome Misa and her family to the club.”
Head Coach Renée Slegers said: “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, alongside Daphne van Domselaar, Anneke Borbe and Isabella Damm.”
Misa will wear the number 16 shirt, meaning Arsenal will have four goalkeepers in the first-team squad, Van Domselaar, Borbe, Misa Rodriguez and Isabella Damm.
It will be interesting to see whether Slegers creates genuine competition between the three senior goalkeepers or establishes a clear hierarchy.
Last season, Borbe was handed plenty of opportunities and performed well overall.
Van Domselaar did not consistently reach the exceptional level that helped Arsenal win the Champions League in 2024/25, largely because of recurring injuries, but she still produced a series of strong performances.
Having three goalkeepers capable of competing for the number one shirt presents an intriguing selection dilemma.
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