Full Breakdown
Victoria Pelova to Leave Arsenal at End of 2025/26 Season
5/11/2026, 10:03:40 PM
Departure Announcement
Dutch midfielder Victoria Pelova will leave Arsenal Women when her contract expires after the 2025/26 campaign, making her a free agent in the summer of 2026.
Tenure Overview
Pelova arrived from Ajax in January 2023, debuting in a 3-0 League Cup win over Aston Villa. In three seasons she made 87 appearances, scored six goals, played the full 120 minutes of the 2024 League Cup final, and helped win two Conti Cups, a UEFA Women’s Champions League, a FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and a Champions Cup in January 2026. She also represented the Netherlands at the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 European Championship.
Timeline
- Jan 2023: Joined from Ajax; debuted vs Aston Villa.
- Feb 2024: Played full League Cup final win over Chelsea.
- Jun 2024: ACL rupture on international duty.
- 2024-25: Missed most of season; returned for 2025 Euros.
- 2025-26: Limited minutes under manager Renee Slegers.
- May 2026: Arsenal confirms departure.
Statistics and Honors
Pelova logged 87 matches and six goals. Her honors include two Conti Cups, the 2024-25 UEFA Women’s Champions League, the 2024-25 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the 2026 Champions Cup.
Impact on Arsenal
Pelova’s exit follows a midfield reshuffle that kept Kim Little, retained Lia Walti, and added Georgia Stanway and Geraldine Reuteler. Limited minutes after injury and heightened competition reduced her 2025-26 impact. Arsenal also expects defender departures of Laia Codina, Manu Zinsberger and Naomi Williams, signalling broader turnover.
Official Club Statement
“Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to thank Victoria for her contribution to the club and we wish her well for her next chapter.” — Arsenal Football Club
Criticism
Analysts argue Pelova’s ACL injury “stunted much of her progression” and that “her situation would be unlikely to improve at Arsenal” due to midfield depth and manager Renee Slegers’ choices.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on trophy naming—some cite a “UEFA Women’s Champions League,” others a generic “Champions League.” No source names Pelova’s next club, leaving her future unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “(0:32) Leah Williamson: I'm very happy to be staying at Arsenal (0:32) Open Extended Reactions Victoria Pelova will leave Arsenal upon the expiry of her contract this summer.” — ESPN
- “The Netherlands international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the summer of 2024, ruling her out of the majority of the 2024-25 season, though she returned to the pitch in time for the Euros.” — ESPN
- “Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images She won the Champions League with the club but did not play in the final, and lifted the Champions Cup with the club in January 2026.” — ESPN
Outlook
As a free agent, Pelova will enter the summer market and may seek a new club. Her international experience and recent return to fitness are part of her recent record.
