On her return to the Women’s Super League, Ona Batlle faces a different landscape compared with when she left England in 2023. Former rivals are now prospective teammates while Chelsea’s domestic dominance has come to an end. League legends have moved on to pastures new while fresh faces establish themselves as future greats. With that in mind alongside her assumed role for Arsenal, adaptability will be key to Batlle’s success. Yet when reflecting on Batlle’s career and achievements so far, adaptability has been something she has thrived on.
Born in Vilassar de Mar, just a 35 minute drive from Barcelona, Batlle started her career in earnest for her hometown team. It did not take long for the Catalonian giants to start taking interest in the burgeoning full back. By the time she was representing Catalonia U12s, Barcelona were keen to bring her to La Masia, their legendary talent farm of an academy. She worked her way up the ranks and was eventually promoted to Barcelona B by 2014. The closest taste she got to first team football was making the substitute bench against FC Twente in the Champions League in 2016.
Change was on the horizon for Batlle. At this point in time, Barcelona were not the footballing juggernaut they are today. A strategic change within the club meant that signing established players became the priority, meaning the chance for younger players to break through became increasingly limited. Of all places for Batlle to go, it was to the capital. Madrid CFF made Batlle one of their first signings following their promotion to Liga F. During her only season at the club, Batlle played in 28 out of the 30 games. Despite leaving her beloved Barcelona behind, the move was vital for her career.
Her time in Madrid however was brief, when she moved onto Levante the following season. Her time on the pitch was successful but it was her achievements off the pitch that should be regarded in higher esteem. Batlle was one of 17 players who filed a class action lawsuit against the Association of Women’s Football Clubs and the Association of Spanish Football Players over compensation fees for free agents. This meant that if another Spanish club wanted to sign Batlle or any free agent, the club would have to pay an extortionate fee.
This legal battle seems a likely underpinning to her first stint in the WSL, moving to Manchester United in 2020. Batlle’s time in Manchester was mixed with personal success and team disappointments. Under manager Mark Skinner, United had proven they deserved to be in the upper echelons of the WSL table. The 19/20 season was their first in the WSL. A promising 4th place finish gave them foundations to build upon and develop.
The 20/21 season, Batlle first with Manchester United, was one of consolidation. They finished 4th and were one point from qualifying for the Champions League for the first time. Batlle picked up individual honours, winning club player of the year. With players such as Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Mary Earps alongside Batlle, United had a strong core of high quality players. The 21/22 season followed a similar pattern of promise but eventual disappointment, a third 4th place finish in a row. The core of players were able to have one last hurrah in the 22/23 season before some sought a fresh start.
The club came agonisingly close to the WSL title and FA Cup, being runners up to Chelsea in both. By this point Batlle had broken out as not only one of the best full backs in the league but also in the world. Players of that quality and ability have insatiable appetites for trophies. After seasons of near misses, it seemed inevitable that she would move on.
Whilst becoming a world class player on the domestic stage, Batlle’s international career was seemingly poised to flourish. However, disregard from governing bodies inflicted her once again. These issues came to a head in September 2022, when 15 players including Batlle sent a letter to the RFEF, asking for the removal of coach Jorge Vilda and that they would not be available for international selection whilst he remained in charge.
By the time the 2023 World Cup came around, Batlle and many of the 15 had returned to the squad. Spain went on to win the tournament but again this victory was overshadowed by former RFEF president Luis Rubiales forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso in the post match celebrations. What this demonstrated about Batlle was her willingness to sacrifice her chance to play at a World Cup for the greater good of Spanish women’s football. Her off the pitch endeavours in the long term may result in having a much more pronounced impact than her on the pitch successes.
After Manchester United, it was time for the prodigal daughter to return home. She rejoined Barcelona in 2023. By this point, Barcelona had become the dynasty in women’s football and Batlle was one of many world class players in the squad. It was also when Batlle had to adapt from her traditional position of right back to left back. With Lucy Bronze’s position as first choice right back solidified, Batlle was moved to the left side of the defence. Unsurprisingly, she flourished and trophies followed in large quantities. In her first season at the club, Barcelona completed a historic quadruple. The next season, the club sauntered to a domestic treble but could not reclaim their Champions League title, losing 1-0 to Arsenal in the final.
Barcelona made up for that disappointment in the 2025/26 season, completing the club’s and Batlle’s second quadruple. Despite the plethora of accomplishments, Batlle desired another crack at the WSL.
She joined Arsenal in July 2026 and on the surface the move made considerable sense for both parties.
With Katie McCabe joining league rivals Chelsea, a void had been left in the left back position, assuming that is where Batlle will play. The prospect of having Batlle on the left and Emily Fox on the right is a mouth watering proposition for Arsenal fans.
It is not just her positional versatility, something that is a favoured trait for Arsenal manager Renée Slegers, but her activist spirit that makes her well suited for the red side of North London. Players such as Lotte Wubben-Moy and Leah Williamson have been vocal over a wide range of issues surrounding women’s football and wider society. With that precedent being set, plus what will be expected of her as a player, Batlle will feel right at home with Arsenal.
