Orlando Pride Signs Lizbeth Ovalle for Record $1.5 Million
Orlando Pride has made history by signing Mexico winger Lizbeth Ovalle from Tigres UANL for a record-breaking fee of $1.5 million (£1.1 million), making her the most expensive signing in women's football.
This transfer surpasses the previous record set by Arsenal last month, when the Champions League holders acquired Canada forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool for £1 million.
Ovalle, 25, has signed a two-year contract with the NWSL champions, which includes a mutual option to extend for an additional year.
"I come with a clear objective of winning titles and leaving a significant mark with the club," Ovalle stated. "I am ready to give my all and help the Pride maintain its status as a leading team."
Pride owner and chairman Mark Wilf emphasized that Ovalle "is a world-class talent and a proven winner. Her arrival in Orlando represents another step in our journey to position the Pride among the elite clubs in global women's soccer."
Beginning her career at Tigres in 2017, Ovalle has played a crucial role in the team's success, contributing to six league titles and becoming the all-time leading scorer for the club. During her eight-year tenure, she scored 136 goals and provided 103 assists in 294 appearances.
In addition to her club success, Ovalle has earned 81 international caps for Mexico, scoring 20 goals. She was also named to the team of the tournament at the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup held in the United States.
Following this groundbreaking transfer, Chelsea's £900,000 signing of USA defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave in January now ranks as the third most expensive women's transfer.