QB weekly: 8. 6. - 14. 6. 2026

With much of the sporting world focused on the ongoing Men's World Cup, plenty is happening in women’s football too. Europe has confirmed more of its direct qualifiers for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the transfer market is beginning to gather momentum as clubs prepare for another busy summer.

New challenge for Mala Grohs

After establishing herself as Bayern Munich’s first-choice goalkeeper, Mala Grohs saw her career put on hold when she was diagnosed with a tumour. Although she successfully returned to action, opportunities became harder to come by, and she made fewer appearances than a player of her quality would have expected.

When Grohs announced that she would leave Bayern at the end of her contract, speculation quickly began over where one of Germany’s most talented goalkeepers would end up next.

The answer is none other than French champions and UEFA Women’s Champions League finalists OL Lyonnes, where Grohs will look to restart the next chapter of her career at one of the biggest clubs in world football.

End of era in swedish football

This week also marked the end of an era for Swedish football, as Linda Sembrant announced her retirement from professional football.

The veteran defender had recently confirmed that she would no longer represent Sweden at international level, and shortly afterwards revealed that she was bringing her professional playing career to a close altogether.

Sembrant leaves the sport with an impressive résumé. At club level, she represented some of Europe’s biggest teams, including Juventus and Bayern Munich, while also enjoying a long and successful spell with the Swedish national team.

Among her greatest achievements are an Olympic silver medal and two FIFA Women’s World Cup bronze medals, making her one of the most accomplished Swedish footballers of her generation.

Beth Mead is skyblue

The end of an era also arrived at Arsenal, where the club bid farewell to Beth Mead after nine years in North London.

The England forward, one of the most influential players of Arsenal’s modern era, had long been linked with a move to London City Lionesses. Instead, she will join her partner Vivianne Miedema at Manchester City, where she is set to wear the No. 7 jersey.

Mead leaves Arsenal as a club icon, having helped the Gunners win multiple trophies and establish themselves as one of the leading forces in English women’s football. Her departure marks the end of a chapter that included individual accolades, major titles and countless memorable moments in red and white. Now, a new challenge awaits in Manchester with the WSL reigning champions. 

Borussia Dortmund is going strong

Since launching its women’s team in 2020, Borussia Dortmund has continued its rapid rise through the German football pyramid, as we explored in this article. The club will compete in the third tier next season, but its long-term ambition is clear: reaching the Frauen-Bundesliga.

To help achieve that goal, Dortmund has already secured the services of German football icon Alexandra Popp. Now, they have added another major name in former Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger.

The Austrian international arrives with a wealth of experience gained at the highest level of the game. Although she spent much of the past year sidelined with an ACL injury, her leadership, winning mentality and experience in elite environments could prove invaluable as Dortmund continues its ambitious project.

For a club determined to accelerate its climb to the top of German women’s football, Zinsberger's signing is about much more than what she brings on the pitch.

Caroline Weir is waiting for another challenge

Another major departure this week came at Real Madrid, where Caroline Weir confirmed she will leave the club after four seasons.

The Scotland international departs as one of the most influential players in Real Madrid Femenino's history. Since arriving from Manchester City in 2022, Weir made 125 appearances, scored 63 goals and became the club's all-time leader for combined goals and assists. Despite helping establish Real as one of Spain's leading sides and twice being named the club's Player of the Season, the midfielder was unable to deliver the first major trophy many supporters had hoped for, with Barcelona continuing to dominate domestically.

The 30-year-old leaves with the admiration of supporters and teammates alike, but without revealing where she will play next. Given her recent form, including captaining Scotland to the top of their World Cup qualifying group,there is unlikely to be any shortage of interested clubs.