The Orlando Pride acquired forward Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle of Mexico for a record-setting $1.5 million transfer fee.
Per the NWSL, the deal announced Thursday breaks the previous mark for women’s soccer of $1.3 million that Arsenal paid Liverpool for Canadian forward Olivia Smith last year.
Known as “La Maga” (“The Magician”), the 25-year-old Ovalle has spent her entire professional career with UANL of Liga MX Femenil.
Since 2017, she has accumulated 136 goals and 103 assists in 294 appearances while leading the Tigres to six league titles. Internationally, Ovalle has collected 20 goals in 81 appearances for Mexico’s national team.
“I’m very happy to join Orlando Pride,” Ovalle said in a press release after she was signed by the club through 2027 with a mutual option for 2028. “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.”
Ovalle is expected to compete in the inaugural Liga MX Femenil All-Star game against Barcelona on Aug. 22 before joining Orlando.
–Field Level Media
