Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s history is filled with wide forwards who brought pace and direct running to the attack.
In recent years, one former Red followed a path that took her from the English system to Spain and now Italy, while also making a major decision at international level.
The journey began in the lower tiers of English football.
After early spells at Crystal Palace, Millwall Lionesses and Watford, strong form in the 2017 Spring Series earned a move to Liverpool in January 2018.
At Anfield, the forward quickly became a regular attacking outlet.
During the 2018/19 season, Rinsola Babajide finished as Liverpool’s second-highest league goalscorer.
Across three seasons on Merseyside, there were 45 league appearances and 10 goals.
That period also included disappointment.
Liverpool suffered relegation at the end of the curtailed 2019/20 campaign.
The following season brought tension, with reports of the player refusing to train with the first team before being moved to the development squad.
A loan spell at Brighton followed, and then a permanent move abroad.
Spain offered her a reset.
A switch to Real Betis in 2022 was followed by a standout campaign at UDG Tenerife, where 10 goals and 5 assists in the 2024/25 Liga F season restored reputation.
That form secured a transfer to AS Roma in July 2025.
The forward has since begun making an impact in Serie A and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Born in London, Babajide represented England at youth level and won bronze at the 2018 Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup.
However, after her move overseas, she chose to represent Nigeria at senior level.
The former Liverpool forward who also paid respects after Diogo Jota’s passing explained her decision to the 49th street saying,”So when I finally made a move overseas due to the events that played out while leaving Liverpool, I was eventually approached by Nigeria, which I saw as a no-brainer.”
“It gave me the opportunity to not only represent Nigeria, which is a great honour, but also to connect with my culture and myself.”
Reflecting on winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, she added, “I’m Nigerian.’
“As big an achievement as it was and with how successful Mission X was, it’s been the pinnacle of my career to date.”
“The proudest moment of my career so far would definitely be lifting the WAFCON trophy in my first-ever mainstream tournament.’
“That has to be the greatest.”
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