Rodríguez Joins Arsenal
Arsenal Strengthen Goalkeeping with Spain's World Cup Winner Misa Rodríguez on Free Transfer
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Key Points
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Rodriguez appeared 19 times in Liga F last season and kept a league-high 14 clean sheets as Real Madrid finished second.
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She has won the Liga F Zamora Trophy in her debut season and again in the 2022-23 campaign.
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Rodriguez began her career in the youth ranks at CD Femarguin, before spells with Atlético Madrid (2017) and Deportivo La Coruña (2019).
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She started three group games for Spain at the 2023 Women's World Cup as Spain went on to win the tournament.
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Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation last season was hampered by injuries, with Manuela Zinsberger sidelined by ACL and both Daphne van Domselaar and Anneke Borbe also contending with injuries.
Arsenal have signed Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez on a free transfer from Real Madrid, handing her a three-year deal with an option for a fourth year. Soccernews reported that the 27-year-old is the club's seventh summer signing, joining on a free after her Madrid contract expired.
Rodríguez leaves Madrid as the club's all-time appearance record holder with 215 games. She captained the side in 2025-26 and kept a league-high 14 clean sheets last season as Real Madrid finished second in Liga F. She will wear the number 16 shirt at Arsenal.
A World Cup Winner with a Record-Breaking Madrid Career
Rodríguez spent six years at Real Madrid before her move to north London. According to Tuko, she made 215 appearances for the club — a record no other Madrid player has matched. She won the Liga F Zamora Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper, twice: in her debut season and again in 2022-23.
On the international stage, she was part of Spain's squad at the 2023 Women's World Cup. She started three group-stage games as Spain went on to win the tournament. Before Madrid, she came through the youth ranks at CD Femarguin and had spells at Atlético Madrid in 2017 and Deportivo La Coruña in 2019.
Arsenal's Injury-Hit Goalkeeping Unit Needed Reinforcement
Arsenal's goalkeeper situation last season was badly hit by injuries. Manuela Zinsberger was ruled out with an ACL injury. Both Daphne van Domselaar and Anneke Borbe also spent time on the sidelines. Isabella Damm was the fourth option. The depth simply was not there.
Despite those problems, Arsenal still conceded just 14 goals in the league last season — the fewest of any side. Rodríguez now joins van Domselaar, Borbe, and Damm to give the club four senior options. Arsenal staff pointed to her consistency and leadership as key reasons for the move.
Free Transfer Coup Brings Madrid Captain to the WSL
Because Rodríguez's Real Madrid contract ran out, Arsenal paid nothing to land her. According to Headtopics, the deal is a straight free transfer after her six-year stint at the club ended. Signing a former captain of one of Europe's biggest clubs for no fee is a major piece of business.
Rodríguez said she is proud to join a top club and wants to help Arsenal win trophies. Arsenal's goalkeeping competition will now be fierce, with van Domselaar and Borbe both pushing for the starting spot. The club hopes Rodríguez's experience and leadership will raise the level across the whole department.
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