NWSL side Orlando Pride have signed forward Lizbeth Ovalle from Mexico’s Tigres UANL in a world-record deal.
The Pride paid $1.5 million (£1.1m) for Ovalle, beating the recent first £1m women’s transfer of Olivia Smith from Liverpool to Arsenal.
Ovalle has 81 caps and 20 goals for her country, winning the gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games and scoring in the historic 2-0 victory over the United States at the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, where she was included in the tournament’s Best XI.
After eight years with Tigres Femenil, she departs as the club’s all-time top scorer, with 136 goals and 103 assists in 294 games.
Mark Wilf, owner and governor of Orlando Pride, told orlandocitysc.com: “We are deeply committed to building high-calibre teams and leading to titles year after year, and this historic signing reflects that vision. ‘Jacquie’ is a world-class player with a winning career. Her arrival in Orlando represents another step in our efforts to position Pride among the elite clubs in global women’s soccer. We are proud to lead the investment in women’s football, not only to succeed today, but also to influence the future of the sport for generations to come.”
Ovalle said: “I’m very happy to join Pride. I come with the clear objective of winning titles and leaving a mark on this club. I am very ready to give everything and help Orlando Pride continue to be a leading team.”