"In January 2025, USWNT defender Naomi Girma broke the $1 million barrier when she joined Chelsea from San Diego Wave in a deal worth around £900,000 ($1.1m). But then, less than two months after winning the UEFA Women's Champions League, Arsenal broke the £1 million barrier to sign striker Olivia Smith from Women's Super League (WSL) rivals Liverpool for £1.1m ($1.33m.)"
"Mexico forward Lizbeth Ovalle moved the record on again last month with a $1.5m transfer from Tigres to NWSL side Orlando Pride, before WSL deadline day saw Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Grace Geyoro move to newly promoted London City Lionesses (who are backed by wealthy owner Michele Kang) for $1.9m. Yes, there is still a long way to go before we get near the men's record, set by Neymar's $241m move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017."
Women's transfer fees were stable for decades but have risen sharply in the last five years, producing several record-breaking moves. Naomi Girma became the first to exceed $1 million in January 2025 when she moved to Chelsea, and Arsenal paid £1.1m for Olivia Smith shortly after. Lizbeth Ovalle transferred to Orlando Pride for $1.5m, and Grace Geyoro moved to London City Lionesses for $1.9m. The recent jumps remain far below the men's peak transfer of $241m for Neymar, but the pace of increases in the women's market is accelerating. Earlier milestones included Milene Domingues commanding over €200,000 in 2002.
Read at ESPN.com
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