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Sarah Bouhaddi, a seasoned French goalkeeper, has joined Arsenal Women on a temporary contract, strengthening their goalkeeping unit.
The 37-year-old, who was signed as their second January window addition after American defender Emily Fox, comes in North London to challenge and support Jonas Eidevall’s current alternatives between the sticks.
Bouhaddi, who comes with an extensive CV from a glittering career in French football, joins as a free agent to battle for minutes in goal against Manuela Zinsberger, Sabrina D’Angelo, Kaylan Marckese, and Naomi Williams.
Between 2009 and 2022, Bouhaddi played with Lyon for 13 years. During that time, she won an incredible 27 major titles, including 11 Division 1 Feminine titles, 8 Women’s Champions Leagues, and 8 Coupe de France Feminine titles.
Bouhaddi won the Best FIFA Goalkeeper award for 2020 in addition to being voted the IFFHS World’s Best Woman Goalkeeper for three consecutive years, from 2016 to 2018, thanks to her incredible achievements with Les Fenottes.
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Bouhaddi played goalkeeping for Lyon for 273 games and scored one goal during the 2014–15 French top flight season. She then transferred to Paris Saint-Germain for the 2022–23 campaign, making 24 appearances and recording 12 clean sheets for the big-city team.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Arsenal and becoming a member of this outstanding team. I’ve always liked Arsenal because the club has such a rich history with both its men’s and women’s teams,” Bouhaddi stated on the official Arsenal website.
“I’m thrilled about the chance to compete in a league that is growing, and I want to use my knowledge to benefit the team as a whole. I’m eager to get going.”
One of the most experienced players in the world at her position, head coach Eidevall praised the Frenchwoman, saying, “We’re really pleased to bring Sarah to Arsenal to help us over the coming weeks.”
“There aren’t many goalkeepers in world football with the breadth of experience and knowledge that Sarah has, so we’re delighted to bring her in to supplement our goalkeeping options.”
Clare Wheatley, Director of Women’s Football, concluded by saying: “We are thrilled that Sarah was able to join us on this short-term contract.
She is an extremely experienced international goalkeeper. She is the ideal player to enter at this time since she has a track record of success at the greatest level of the game.
With 149 caps between 2004 and 2020, Bouhaddi is eighth in France Women’s all-time appearance list. The 37-year-old also won the SheBelieves Cup with her country in 2017.
