Gambian forward Fatou Kanteh is officially free to join any club of her choosing this summer, as Villarreal CF Femenino announced the end of her contract on Friday evening. The 26-year-old’s departure marks the conclusion of a two-year stint with the Spanish club.
Kanteh, who was born in Banyoles, Girona, Spain, and is of Gambian and Senegalese descent, leaves Villarreal CF after a tenure that saw her make 61 appearances across all competitions, contributing 8 goals and 6 assists.
Her exit is part of a broader wave of six departures from the club as Villarreal looks to restructure its squad.
Fatou Kanteh’s football journey has been firmly rooted in Spain. She began her career at Porquères, where she played from 2013 to 2017.
Her promising talent soon earned her a move to Logrono, where she initially joined the B team in 2018 before being promoted to the first team.
Kanteh then made a significant move to Sporting Huelva in 2019, where she continued to develop her skills and gained recognition for her attacking prowess.
In 2022, Villarreal CF acquired her services, hoping to leverage her dynamic abilities on the field.
In a heartfelt message posted on her X account, formerly known as Twitter, Kanteh expressed her gratitude and reflections on her time with Villarreal.
“I would like to start by apologizing for not leaving this team where it deserves, in the first division.
It has been two years of learning for which I am very grateful, as well as the technical staff for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to defend this shield.
To my teammates, for making this path easier. I cannot forget the love for encouraging us until our last breath,” she wrote.
Her departure is not just a professional shift but an emotional one, underscoring the bonds formed and the experiences shared during her tenure at Villarreal.
Despite being born and raised in Spain, Kanteh chose to represent Gambia at the international level, influenced by her Gambian father and Senegalese mother.
She made her senior debut for Gambia on 25 October 2021 and was subsequently called up for the second round of the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers in February 2022.
Her versatility and attacking capabilities have made her a valuable asset on the international stage, showcasing her ability to destabilize opposing defenses with her skillful play.
As Fatou Kanteh looks to the future, her availability on the transfer market presents an exciting opportunity for clubs seeking to bolster their attacking options.
Her journey from the youth leagues of Spain to the international stage with Gambia illustrates a career marked by growth, adaptability, and a persistent drive to succeed.
