Olivia Smith is the latest big money move in women's soccer as transfer fees rise rapidly
USA womens' national team defender Naomi Girma plays against the Republic of Ireland in the first half of an international friendly soccer match, June 26, 2025, in Commerce City, Colo. Credit: AP/David Zalubowski
Olivia Smith has set a new benchmark in women's soccer with her move from Liverpool to Arsenal for 1 million pounds ($1.34 million).
That makes the 20-year-old Canada forward the most expensive player in the history of the women's game and her move is the just the latest record-breaking deal in recent times.
United States defender Naomi Girma became women’s soccer’s first million-dollar player when she completed her move from San Diego Wave to Chelsea in January for a reported 900,000 pounds ($1.1 million).
And records have tumbled regularly as the profile of the women's game continues to rise.
Here’s a look at how the record transfer fee (in USD) in the women’s game has increased:
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2002: Milene Domingues
The Brazilian midfielder moved from Fiammamonza in Italy to Rayo Vallecano in Spain for $310,000.
Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji in action during an NWSL soccer match against the Washington Spirit, in Washington, March 28, 2025. Credit: AP/Terrance Williams
2020: Pernille Harder
The Denmark forward left Wolfsburg to join Chelsea in England for $355,000.
2022: Keira Walsh
The England midfielder moved from Manchester City to Barcelona for $513,000.
2024: Mayra Ramirez
The Colombia forward left Levante in Spain to join Chelsea in a deal worth $542,000.
2024: Racheal Kundananji
The Zambia striker moved from Madrid CFF in Spain to Bay FC in the United States for $788,000.
Chelsea's Mayra Ramirez reacts during the women's Champions League semifinals, second leg, soccer match against FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in London, April 27, 2025. Credit: AP/Dave Shopland
2025: Naomi Girma
The U.S. international became the first $1 million female player with her move to Chelsea.
2025: Olivia Smith
It didn't take long for the record to be broken again — this time by the Canada forward, who is the first 1 million pound ($1.34 million) player.
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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