Madrid has offered Gabi Nunes a rapid route back into European football, with Atlético de Madrid confirming the Brazilian forward’s arrival only hours after her short spell with Orlando Pride came to an end.
Nunes reached the Spanish capital on Thursday and completed her deal on Friday, committing herself to Atlético until June 2027. She joins the squad led by David González, who took charge in June.
The move follows an abrupt exit from the United States. Orlando and the 28-year-old agreed to terminate her contract on Wednesday, less than two months after the NWSL side had presented her as a new signing.
A brief stay in Florida
Nunes joined Orlando on 4 August on a contract running to the end of the year, but her time in the league amounted to only two appearances and 16 minutes on the pitch.
Both outings came as second-half substitute appearances in 2-1 defeats, against Portland Thorns and Utah Royals. Orlando are currently 11th in the NWSL regular-season standings and retain a sizeable Brazilian presence through Marta, Luana, Rafaella and Angelina.
Before crossing the Atlantic for Orlando, Nunes spent two years at Aston Villa, leaving when her agreement in England expired. Her club career has also included spells with Levante, Madrid CFF, Corinthians, Osasco Audax and Centro Olímpico.
Brazil experience arrives in the Spanish capital
The striker brings major international pedigree to Atlético. She was part of Brazil’s squad that won Olympic silver in Paris, the national team’s first medal at the Games for 16 years. She has also scored for Brazil from a Marta assist in the side’s opening women’s football victory.
For Atlético, the signing adds a Brazilian forward with experience in Spain, England, the United States and South America as González continues to shape his group in the capital.
