Atlético Madrid have enjoyed the best of the Nigerian international for the past four years but her next destination is yet unknown
Rasheedat Ajibade is living her finest days in the green and white of Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
Fresh from captaining the team to a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown, she has become one of the most celebrated African footballer of the summer.
Yet, as the new club season looms, her next professional chapter remains unwritten.
At WAFCON 2024, Ajibade was the heartbeat of a dominant Nigeria side. She delivered two assists, scored once, and claimed three Player of the Match awards. Her influence earned her a place in the Team of the Tournament and the ultimate accolade, the Most Valuable Player.
Back home, the nation celebrated her heroics. The President welcomed her and the team, bestowing national honours, cash rewards, and landed properties. Ajibade now carries the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
We did it! Mission X accomplished!
Words can’t fully express what this moment means. This isn’t just our 10th WAFCON trophy, it’s a testament to the relentless spirit of this team. Every tackle, every pass, every moment of pure grit on that field was for each other, for our… pic.twitter.com/jIHmdEVeWC— Rasheedat Ajibade OON, OLY (@Rasheedat08) July 28, 2025
This is not her first taste of glory. Ajibade lifted the WAFCON trophy in 2018, represented Nigeria at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and led the line at the 2024 Olympics. But never before has she stood so firmly in the spotlight.
Off the pitch, however, a question lingers: where will Ajibade play club football next season?
Earlier this summer, she announced her departure from Atlético Madrid, the club she joined in 2021 after a short spell in Norway with Avaldsnes.
Nuestras jugadoras Cardona, Ajibade, Moraza y Barth no continuarán la próxima temporada como rojiblancas y se despedirán de la afición este domingo en Alcalá. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WmPS8aAzoQ
— Atlético de Madrid Femenino (@AtletiFemenino) May 16, 2025
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From FC Robo in Lagos to the Spanish capital, Ajibade’s career has been a story of steady growth. In 137 appearances for Atlético, she scored 41 goals, helping them win the Copa de la Reina, Supercopa Femenina, and the Trofeo Ramón de Carranza.
At 25, Ajibade is entering her prime and seems ready for a fresh challenge.
PSG have been linked with her signature, a move that could see her compete for the French league title and challenge the dominance of Olympique Lyonnais. Yet, several days after those rumours emerged, no official offer has materialised.
This delay is puzzling. During WAFCON, AS Roma snapped up Rinsola Babajide, while Brighton confirmed the signing of Chiamaka Nnadozie, the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Ajibade, however, remains a free agent.
In a twist, rumours of a potential return to Atlético resurfaced when she was spotted at the club’s training ground, wearing their jersey, during a photoshoot for TOGETHXR, a brand co-founded by England great Alex Morgan. The images might have been taken before WAFCON, but they have kept fans guessing.
Wherever she ends up, one fact is undeniable: Ajibade is a special talent. A dynamic attacker capable of playing on either flank or in midfield, she blends skill with leadership and humility. Her next club will not just sign a great player, they will gain a proven winner with the ability to change games and power them to success.