Paris, France – August 26, 2025 – In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the global football community, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade has signed a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain Féminine (PSG), one of Europe’s most prestigious women’s football clubs. The 25-year-old Nigerian forward, who joins as a free agent after parting ways with Spanish side Atlético de Madrid at the end of the 2024–25 season, has committed to PSG until June 30, 2027, with an option to extend her stay. The announcement, made by PSG on Tuesday morning, marks a significant milestone in Ajibade’s career and underscores her growing influence as one of Africa’s brightest football talents.
A New Chapter for a Rising Star
Paris Saint-Germain Féminine, a dominant force in France’s Division 1 Féminine and a regular contender in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, confirmed Ajibade’s arrival with a statement brimming with enthusiasm. “Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the arrival of Nigerian striker Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade, who has joined the club on a deal that runs until 30th June 2027,” the club declared on its official website and social media platforms. The signing represents a strategic addition to PSG’s attacking arsenal as they aim to reclaim domestic supremacy and make a deeper run in European competitions.
For Ajibade, the move to PSG is a dream come true and a testament to her meteoric rise in women’s football. “I’m deeply honoured to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a top-drawer club in Europe,” Ajibade said in her first comments as a PSG player. “This is a major step for me, and I’m committed to giving my all to help PSG win titles and to inspire young footballers, be they in Nigeria or elsewhere.” Her words reflect not only her ambition to succeed at one of Europe’s elite clubs but also her determination to serve as a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly in her home country of Nigeria, where football is a cultural cornerstone.
From Lagos to Paris: Ajibade’s Remarkable Journey
Rasheedat Ajibade’s journey to PSG is a story of talent, perseverance, and relentless ambition. Born on December 8, 1999, in Lagos, Nigeria, Ajibade grew up in a football-obsessed nation where the sport transcends mere entertainment, serving as a unifying force and a pathway to opportunity. Her early years were spent honing her skills on the streets and pitches of Lagos, where her pace, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring prowess quickly set her apart.
Ajibade’s professional career began with FC Robo Queens, a Lagos-based club in the Nigeria Women’s Football League, where she emerged as a prodigious talent. Her performances caught the attention of scouts, and at the age of 18, she made the bold move to Europe, signing with Avaldsnes IL in Norway’s Toppserien in 2018. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and playing style, Ajibade thrived in Norway, making 49 appearances and scoring 12 goals over two seasons. Her time at Avaldsnes showcased her versatility as a forward capable of playing as a central striker or on the wings, as well as her ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
In 2021, Ajibade took another significant step in her career by joining Atlético de Madrid Féminine in Spain’s Primera División. Her three-year stint with the Rojiblancas solidified her reputation as one of the most exciting forwards in European women’s football. During the 2024–25 season, Ajibade made 25 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing three assists, demonstrating her ability to deliver in high-pressure matches. Her performances in Spain earned her widespread acclaim and caught the eye of top clubs across Europe, culminating in her move to PSG.
Why PSG? A Perfect Fit for Ajibade’s Ambitions
Paris Saint-Germain Féminine’s decision to sign Ajibade reflects their ambition to bolster their squad with dynamic, goal-scoring talent. The club, which has won the Division 1 Féminine title twice (most recently in 2021) and reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in 2015 and 2017, is eager to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of French and European football. With rivals Olympique Lyonnais dominating the domestic and continental scene, PSG sees Ajibade as a key piece in their quest to challenge for major silverware.
Ajibade’s playing style—characterized by explosive pace, technical flair, and a knack for finding the back of the net—makes her an ideal fit for PSG’s attacking philosophy. Under head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur, PSG has prioritized a high-pressing, fast-paced style of play that relies on versatile forwards who can exploit defenses and contribute both goals and assists. Ajibade’s ability to play across the front line, combined with her work rate and defensive contributions, aligns perfectly with Prêcheur’s tactical vision.
Moreover, Ajibade’s experience in competitive leagues in Norway and Spain, as well as her leadership as captain of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, brings a wealth of maturity and big-game mentality to a PSG squad that includes stars like Grace Geyoro, Sakina Karchaoui, and Tabitha Chawinga. Her signing is expected to add depth and dynamism to PSG’s attack, particularly in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where the club has struggled to replicate its past successes in recent years.
A Trailblazer for Nigerian Football
Ajibade’s move to PSG is not just a personal triumph but a historic moment for Nigerian football. As the captain of the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national team, Ajibade has been a trailblazer for African players in Europe. Her leadership on and off the pitch has inspired a new generation of Nigerian footballers, both male and female, to pursue their dreams on the global stage.
The Super Falcons have long been a powerhouse in African football, winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record 11 times. However, their performances on the global stage, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, have often fallen short of expectations due to limited resources and exposure. Ajibade, alongside teammates like Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC) and Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), is part of a growing wave of Nigerian players breaking barriers in top European leagues, raising the profile of African women’s football.
Ajibade’s role as a role model extends beyond her on-field exploits. In interviews, she has spoken passionately about the importance of education, discipline, and perseverance, particularly for young girls in Nigeria. Her commitment to inspiring the next generation was evident in her comments upon joining PSG: “I want to show young footballers, be they in Nigeria or elsewhere, that with hard work and belief, anything is possible.” Her move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs is likely to inspire countless young athletes in Nigeria and across Africa to pursue their dreams with renewed vigor.
Challenges and Expectations at PSG
While Ajibade’s signing has generated excitement among PSG fans, it also comes with significant expectations. The French capital is a footballing hotbed, and PSG Féminine operates under intense scrutiny, with supporters demanding both domestic dominance and European success. Ajibade will need to quickly adapt to the high expectations of playing for a club of PSG’s stature, where every match is a test of skill, mental toughness, and consistency.
The 2025–26 Division 1 Féminine season promises to be fiercely competitive, with Olympique Lyonnais, led by stars like Ada Hegerberg and Wendie Renard, remaining the team to beat. PSG’s campaign will kick off in September, and Ajibade is expected to play a central role in their quest to dethrone Lyon and secure the league title. Additionally, the UEFA Women’s Champions League will provide a platform for Ajibade to showcase her talents against Europe’s elite, with potential matchups against clubs like FC Barcelona, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
Off the pitch, Ajibade will face the challenge of adjusting to life in Paris, a city known for its vibrant culture but also its demanding lifestyle. However, her experience playing in Norway and Spain, coupled with her fluency in English and familiarity with international environments, should ease her transition. PSG’s robust support system, including a dedicated staff for player integration, will also help Ajibade settle into her new surroundings.
The Bigger Picture: Women’s Football on the Rise
Ajibade’s move to PSG comes at a time when women’s football is experiencing unprecedented growth worldwide. The sport has seen a surge in investment, media coverage, and fan engagement, with clubs like PSG leading the charge in professionalizing the women’s game. The signing of a player of Ajibade’s caliber underscores PSG’s commitment to building a competitive squad capable of competing on all fronts.
In Nigeria, the growth of women’s football has been slower but is gaining momentum. The Nigeria Women’s Football League has made strides in recent years, with clubs like Bayelsa Queens and Delta Queens competing in continental competitions. However, challenges such as limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and societal barriers continue to hinder the development of the women’s game. Ajibade’s success in Europe could serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging greater investment in women’s football in Nigeria and inspiring young girls to take up the sport.
Globally, the transfer market for women’s football is becoming increasingly competitive, with top clubs vying for talent from across the world. Ajibade’s move to PSG is part of a broader trend of African players making their mark in Europe, following in the footsteps of players like Zambia’s Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride) and South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana (Tigres UANL). As more African players secure high-profile transfers, the continent’s influence on the global game is set to grow.
What’s Next for Ajibade and PSG?
As Ajibade prepares to don the iconic red and blue of PSG, fans are eager to see how she will fit into the team’s attacking setup. Her versatility allows her to play as a central striker, winger, or attacking midfielder, giving Prêcheur multiple options to deploy her in the starting lineup. Early indications suggest that Ajibade could form a formidable partnership with Chawinga, the Malawian forward who was one of the top scorers in Division 1 Féminine last season.
PSG’s pre-season preparations are already underway, with friendly matches scheduled against top European clubs to fine-tune the squad ahead of the new season. Ajibade’s integration into the team will be closely watched, as her ability to quickly adapt to PSG’s style of play could determine the club’s success in the coming months.
For Ajibade, the move to PSG represents the pinnacle of a career that has been defined by resilience and ambition. From her humble beginnings in Lagos to captaining the Super Falcons and now joining one of Europe’s top clubs, her journey is a testament to the power of talent and determination. As she takes to the pitch at the Parc des Princes, Ajibade will carry the hopes of a nation and the dreams of countless young footballers who see her as a symbol of what is possible.
Conclusion
Rasheedat Ajibade’s signing with Paris Saint-Germain Féminine is a landmark moment for both the player and the club. For PSG, it represents a bold step toward reclaiming their place at the top of French and European football. For Ajibade, it is the culmination of years of hard work and a chance to cement her legacy as one of Africa’s greatest footballing talents. As she embarks on this new chapter, the football world will be watching closely, eager to see how the Super Falcons captain leaves her mark on one of the biggest stages in the women’s game.
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