Spanish Liga F side Levante UD Femenino have bolstered their back line with the signing of Nigerian centre‑back Paulina Ali from Portuguese club FC Famalicão. The 22 year old has agreed to join the Valencian outfit ahead of the 2025–26 season, becoming Levante’s fourth summer signing after Gema Soliveres, Laura Coronado and Carol Marín.
Ali, who began her senior career at Edo Queens in Nigeria and moved to Europe in February 2025, made ten appearances for Famalicão in Portugal’s Liga BPI last season. Her arrival is part of Levante’s defensive shake‑up following the departures of María Molina, Madeline Gravante and Estela Carbonell.
Spotted at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium alongside her family, Ali is set to compete with the likes of Tere Mérida, Eva Alonso, Alharilla, María Gabaldón, Rai Carrasco and Nuria Escoms for a place in the defensive unit. With the squad now at 16 players, Levante prep for pre‑season training, starting 14 July, as they await confirmation of their new head coach.
Editorial
We are pleased by Levante’s audacious gamble on Paulina Ali. At 22, she embodies the youthful dynamism and multicultural future of modern football. Her journey from Edo Queens to European football, culminating in a move to Spain’s Liga F, highlights both determination and potential.
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Ali arrives at a pivotal moment. Levante have visibly trimmed their defensive options, and she enters a crowded but opportunity‑rich environment. That competition can be a catalyst for growth mentally and tactically. It also speaks to the evolving path of rising Nigerian talents, who now possess the skills and conviction to earn berths in Europe’s professional tiers.
We are quietly optimistic. If Ali commits fully to rigorous training and seizes chances in matches, she has both the pedigree and the mindset to flourish. We hope her success prompts Nigerian academies to foster more female defenders capable of making seamless transitions abroad.
This is more than a transfer; it’s a statement of intent. We expect Ali not only to break into the first team but to become symbolic of a fresh, ambitious era for both Levante and the Super Falcons.
Did You Know?
- Paulina Ali began her senior career with Edo Queens in Nigeria before moving abroad in early 2025.
- During her time at Famalicão, she made ten league appearances in Liga BPI, Portugal’s top women’s competition.
- Levante secured their Liga F status on 11 May 2025 after a crucial draw against Madrid CFF, ensuring survival with one match remaining.
- The club are undergoing financial consolidation and have integrated multiple new players into both men’s and women’s squads this summer.
- Pre‑season training for Levante Femenino begins on Monday, 14 July 2025, with the final coaching staff yet to be confirmed.
