Lizbeth Ovalle to Orlando Pride: World record signing until 2027

Lizbeth Ovalle sets a new record in women’s soccer

Mexican international star, Lizbeth Ovalle, has finalized her signing with Orlando Pride, setting a new world record in terms of transfer fees. The agreement, confirmed by the NWSL club on Thursday, extends until 2027, with a mutual option for 2028. According to sources close to the agreement, the transfer fee amounts to $1.5 million. Previous reports from Mexico suggested that the figure could reach $2 million. The previous record belonged to Canadian international Olivia Smith, following her signing for Arsenal last month for a fee of 1 million pounds (approximately 1.34 million dollars).

We are deeply committed to building championship teams year after year and this historic signing is a reflection of that focus. Jacquie is a world-class player and a proven winner, and her arrival in Orlando marks another step in our journey to position the Pride among the elite clubs in global women’s soccer. We are proud to lead the way in investing in women’s soccer, not only for today’s success, but to shape the future of the sport for generations to come.

Mark Wilf, owner of Orlando Pride

This transfer makes Ovalle the first Mexican footballer, in both the men’s and women’s divisions, to hold the world record for a transfer. In addition, Tigres Femenil of the Liga MX will receive 10% of the player’s future sale.

I am very happy to join Orlando Pride. I come with the clear objective of winning titles and leaving a mark on the Club. I am ready to give it my all and help Orlando Pride continue to be a leading team.

Lizbeth Ovalle

The 25-year-old winger arrives at the NWSL champion team, currently in third place in the standings with a record of 8 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses. Previously, Ovalle was linked to Barcelona. Ovalle has six Liga MX Femenil titles with Tigres, the only club she has represented since her professional debut in 2017. She also has three Campeona de Campeonas trophies. At the national team level, she has participated in more than 50 matches and was included in the Concacaf W Gold Cup’s ideal eleven last year. In the 2024 tournament, where Mexico reached the semi-finals, Ovalle stood out with a memorable goal against the United States women’s national team, in a historic 2-0 victory.

Sources confirmed that Ovalle has sparked interest from several teams in the NWSL, with up to half a dozen clubs in the league competing for her signing from Tigres during this period. The $1.5 million transfer fee will be distributed equally over the three guaranteed years of Ovalle’s contract. The NWSL sets an annual net threshold for team transfer spending. This year’s threshold is $550,000 per team. Earlier this year, the Pride transferred Brazilian midfielder Adriana to Al Qadsiah FC of Saudi Arabia for $500,000, a fee distributed over two years that provides Orlando with additional flexibility in transfers.