- Lizbeth Ovalle has signed a contract with Orlando Pride for a world-record transfer fee of $1.5 million in a deal that runs through 2027 with a mutual option for 2028.
- She is nicknamed La Maga (The Magician), Ovalle went viral on social media this year with a “scorpion kick” against Guadalajara.
- This deal with the club from Orlando makes Ovalle the first men's or women's Mexican soccer player to earn the distinction of holding a world-record transfer fee.
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Orlando Pride Break Olivia Smith’s Women's Transfer Record by Signing Lizbeth Ovalle for $1.5 million
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Summary
There have been speculation around Ovalle for the last year, with all the big clubs like Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Wolfsburg linked with the 25-year-old. All the clubs were chasing her thanks to her excellent performances in Liga MX Femenil and beyond. However, with the chase,, it was inevitable that she was heading to Europe, but instead, it is the U.S that she is heading to now for the next chapter of her career.
She has signed a contract with Orlando Pride for a world-record transfer fee of $1.5 million in a deal that runs through 2027 with a mutual option for 2028. The transfer fee surpasses the $1.3 million fee that Arsenal paid Liverpool for Canadian striker Olivia Smith in the English Women's Super League last month. This broke the previous record fee of $1.1 million that Chelsea paid the San Diego Wave for defender Naomi Girma in January.
Orlando won its first NWSL Championship last year, despite having the attacking options in Marta and Barbra Banda, but they haven't clicked in 2025. So, the addition of Ovalle can certainly help them as the Pride aims to defend its title in the postseason.
Who is Lizbeth Ovalle?
Lizbeth Ovalle hails from Mexico, a country known to produce players like Chicharito, Jimenez and Ochoa. She started her professional career at the age of 17 with Tigres UANL. She quickly came into the spotlight and became a prominent player for the Los Tigres, scoring six goals. She won her first trophy with then in 2018, playing an important role in the playoffs in which she scored two goals. Since her debut in 2017, she has become a fundamental part of the club, achieving more than 200 league appearances and scoring more than 100 goals.
Ovalle won six Liga MX Femenil titles with Tigres, the only club that the 25-year-old has represented since she started playing professionally. She has over 50 appearances with Mexico. She also finished as a member of the best XI in last year's Concacaf W Gold Cup, a tournament in which Mexico finished as semifinalists. She made headlines with a highlight-worthy opening goal against the U.S. women's national team in a historic 2-0 victory.
She is nicknamed La Maga (The Magician). Ovalle went viral on social media this year with a “scorpion kick” against Guadalajara. She is set to play in the Liga MX Femenil All-Star game against Barcelona before joining the Orlando Pride. This deal with the club from Orlando makes Ovalle the first men's or women's Mexican soccer player to earn the distinction of holding a world-record transfer fee. In addition to this, there is a 10% sell-on fee for Loga MX's Femenil Tigres. "This is a historic transfer not only for our institution, but also for Mexican and global soccer," Tigres said in a release announcing the deal. "The transfer of a player widely recognized as the best in the Liga MX Femenil has been finalized."
What Mark Wilf, Lizbeth Ovalle Said after The World-Record Transfer?
Speaking about the world-record transfer, Mark Wilf, the Orlando Pride's owner and chairman, said: "We are deeply committed to building championship-caliber teams year after year and this landmark signing is a reflection of that focus. [Ovalle] is a world-class talent and a proven winner, and her arrival in Orlando marks another step on our journey to position the Pride among the elite clubs in global women’s soccer.
We’re proud to lead the way in investing in the women’s game, not just for today’s success, but to shape the future of the sport for generations to come." “This move represents our unwavering commitment to elevating women’s football and investing in world-class talent.”
"I’m very happy to join Orlando Pride," Ovalle said. "I’m coming with the clear objective of winning titles and leaving a mark with the club. I’m ready to give it my all and help Orlando Pride continue to be a leading team."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the world-record transfer fee in women's football history?
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What is the world-record transfer fee in women's football history?
The world-record transfer fee in women's football history is $1.5 million.
Who is the most expensive women's football player?
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Who is the most expensive women's football player?
Lizbeth Ovalle is the most expensive women's football player.
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