We are delighted to announce the signing of Mariona Caldentey on a permanent deal.
Mariona joins Arsenal after ten years with FC Barcelona, during which time she has won 25 titles. She will wear the No.8 jersey here at Arsenal.
Born in Mallorca on 19 March 1996, Mariona worked up through the youth ranks at Collerense, making her senior debut there in 2011.
The forward then moved to Barcelona in 2014, making her debut at the age of 18 and developing into an integral part of the first team under successive coaches.
Now 28, Mariona departs Barcelona having won six Liga F titles, three UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues, six Spanish Cups, four Spanish Super Cups and six Catalan Cups.
Mariona made 302 appearances for Barcelona in total, scoring 114 goals – making her the Catalan side’s fifth all-time top scorer.
At international level, Mariona has scored 26 goals in 72 matches for Spain and was part of the squad that won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2023/24 UEFA Nations League.
“I’m so happy to be here,” said Mariona. “This is the right time for a new challenge for me and Arsenal is the perfect place. I think what Arsenal are doing as a club is amazing – on and off the pitch. I love the way we want to play as a team and I think there’s a strong mentality building here.
“It’s been incredible to see what the club has done away from the pitch, with supporters following the team everywhere and lots of records being broken. I can’t wait to get started and help the team win trophies and entertain our supporters.”
Head Coach Jonas Eidevall added: “Mariona is a world-class forward and we are delighted to bring her to Arsenal. She’s a winner with proven experience of excelling on the biggest stage, which is exactly where we aim to be at this club. We believe Mariona will be a superb addition to our squad here at Arsenal, as we prepare for an exciting new season together.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley added: “We’re so happy to have signed Mariona, who brings with her a wealth of experience and success at the top of women’s football. It’s a testament to her ambition and character that she has chosen to undertake a new challenge, come to the Women’s Super League and join what we’re building here at Arsenal.
