By Canadian Press

Olivia Smith is latest big-money move in women’s soccer as transfer fees rise rapidly

Jul 17, 2025 | 12:00 PM

Olivia Smith has set a new benchmark in women’s soccer with her move from Liverpool to Arsenal for a reported 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.

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.

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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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

James Robson And Steve Douglas, The Associated Press