Who Is Olivia Smith: The Canadian Star Lighting Up Anfield

Olivia Smith has rapidly emerged as a captivating talent in the landscape of women’s football, currently showcasing her abilities with Liverpool FC Women in the highly competitive Women’s Super League (WSL). Her dynamic presence on the field has quickly made her a player to watch, evident by her status as the team’s top scorer in the recent season. Smith, a versatile player comfortable operating as both a midfielder and a forward, brings an exciting blend of skill and attacking intent to the Reds game.

As a Canadian international, her potential extends beyond her club commitments, hinting at a significant future for both Liverpool and the Canadian national women’s team. Her early impact at Anfield suggests a player ready to leave a lasting mark on the women’s game.

Olivia Smith Liverpool: Promising Young Talent In Women’s football

The move to the WSL was a significant one for both Smith and Liverpool, with the transfer reportedly breaking the club’s record fee. Her integration into the Liverpool women squad was immediate, and she etched her name in the club’s history by becoming the first woman to score for Liverpool at their iconic Anfield stadium. This rapid progression through different footballing environments underscores her adaptability and talent. Her fearless style and work ethic have earned her comparisons to some of the most famous women soccer players like Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby.

Early life and background

Born in North York, Ontario, Olivia Smith spent her formative years in Whitby, Canada. Her passion for football was evident from a young age, leading her to play for a succession of local youth clubs including Whitby SC, Oshawa Kicks SC, Ajax SC, Markham FC, and North Toronto SC. These early experiences were crucial in shaping her foundational skills and understanding of the game. Furthering her development, Smith also participated in the Ontario Regional Excel (REX) program, a testament to her burgeoning talent within the Canadian youth system.

Olivia Smith Family Background

A significant influence on her career has been her father, Sean Smith, who has provided unwavering support and guidance throughout her journey. Beyond football, her involvement in other sports during her youth, such as taekwondo, basketball, volleyball, and track and field, suggests a well-rounded athletic background that likely contributed to her overall physical development and coordination. This multi-sport participation highlights her natural athleticism and competitive spirit.

Olivia Smith Career

Her debut for the Canadian senior national team in November 2019 against Brazil was a historic moment, as she became the youngest player ever to represent Canada at that level. This record-breaking achievement signaled her immense potential on the international stage. Prior to turning fully professional, Smith also made her debut for North Toronto Nitros in League1 Ontario on May 7, 2022, facing Alliance United. Her transition to professional football in Europe was marked by a debut to remember for Sporting CP in the Campeonato Nacional Feminino, where she not only played but also contributed with a goal and an assist.

Most recently, she marked her arrival in the English Women’s Super League with her debut for Liverpool in September 2024. These debuts across different levels and countries underscore her ability to adapt and perform under pressure in new and challenging environments. The early faith shown in her by the Canadian national team coaches, entrusting a 15-year-old with a senior debut, speaks volumes about her precocious talent.

Olivia Smith Stats and Academy Development

Before joining Liverpool, Olivia Smith honed her skills at several clubs and academies. Her formative years were spent navigating the competitive landscape of Canadian youth football with Whitby SC, Oshawa Kicks SC, Ajax SC, Markham FC, and North Toronto SC. Her participation in the Ontario REX program (later known as NDC Ontario) further refined her abilities within a structured elite development environment. A significant period in her development came with North Toronto Nitros in League1 Ontario. During her time there in 2022, she displayed exceptional attacking prowess, scoring an impressive 18 goals in just 11 appearances.

This prolific goal-scoring record earned her the league’s Young Player of the Season, Forward of the Year, and the Golden Boot, alongside being named a First Team All-Star and U18 All-Star. Following her dominant performance in Canada, Smith briefly ventured into college soccer with Penn State Nittany Lions, where she made 16 appearances and scored one goal. Her first professional experience came with Sporting CP in the 2023-2024 season. In Portugal, she continued to impress, netting 13 goals and providing 9 assists in 18 league appearances. Her stellar performances led to her being recognized as the Liga BPI Young Player of the Season.

Key Moments and Achievements

Olivia Smith’s burgeoning career is already marked by several significant milestones and awards. In 2019, she was recognized as Canada Soccer’s Young Player of the Year, highlighting her early promise. Her dominant 2022 season with North Toronto Nitros saw her sweep the League1 Ontario awards, including Young Player of the Season, Forward of the Year, and the Golden Boot, alongside First Team All-Star and U18 All-Star honors. Continuing her impressive form in Europe, she was named the Liga BPI Young Player of the Season for 2023-2024. On the international stage, she earned the CONCACAF W Gold Cup Best Young Player award in 2024 , and was again named Canada Soccer’s Young Player of the Year.

Her impact at Liverpool was quickly acknowledged when she won the club’s Player of the Month award for January 2025. Beyond individual accolades, Smith achieved a historic feat by becoming the youngest player to ever debut for Canada’s senior national team. She also represented Canada at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, remarkably as the youngest member of the squad. Her early contributions to Liverpool include the distinction of being the first woman to score for the club at Anfield , and a memorable performance where she scored two goals in Liverpool’s first-ever victory at Anfield against Manchester United.

Olivia Smith’s Role Model and Signature Skills

Smith idolizes Brazilian legend Marta, whose flair and leadership inspire her playing style. Her own skills include:

• Dribbling: Close control and quick feints to bypass defenders.
• Finishing: Ambidextrous shooting accuracy.
• Vision: Ability to create chances from tight angles.

Olivia Smith Scout Report: National Team Call-Up and Transfer Interest

Smith earned her first senior England call-up in 2023 and scored in her debut against Germany. Clubs like Barcelona, Lyon, and Arsenal have since expressed interest, with reports suggesting a €2 million bid from Barcelona was rejected in 2024. Her strengths—versatility, high pressing, and adaptability—make her a coveted asset globally.

EA FC Rating and Attributes

In EA FC 25, Smith boasts a 70 overall rating, Her key in-game attributes reflect her on-field strengths, including a pace rating of 75, shooting at 68, passing at 63, and dribbling at 70.

Olivia Smith Net Worth and Salary

Olivia Smith’s transfer to Liverpool FC Women reportedly involved a club-record fee of £210,000, which is approximately €250,000. This significant investment by Liverpool indicates a high valuation of her talent and potential future contributions to the team.

Olivia Smith’s potential club and transfer rumours

Barcelona remains the frontrunner for Smith’s signature, though PSG and Bayern Munich are also in the race. Liverpool aims to retain her with a contract extension, but a summer 2025 transfer seems plausible given her ambition to compete in the Champions League regularly.

Conclusion: The Future of Olivia Smith

At just 20, Olivia Smith’s trajectory points toward global superstardom. With a potential Ballon d’Or contention, her blend of skill, humility, and drive positions her to dominate women’s football for years. Whether she stays at Liverpool or joins a European powerhouse, Smith’s legacy as a game-changer is already being written.