Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle began traveling long distances as a teenager to represent Mexico, often covering up to nine hours by bus and receiving only ticket reimbursement. She played in the U17 World Cup and debuted in Liga MX Femenil in 2017, winning six league titles with Tigres de la UANL. At 25, she transferred to the Orlando Pride for $1.5 million, setting a new women's soccer transfer record. Multiple NWSL and European clubs pursued her over the years. In Orlando she will join established stars including Marta and Barbra Banda.
When she was 15, Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle traveled alone by bus for up to nine hours to play for the Mexican national team, with no payment other than the cost of her ticket. Her talent and determination helped her play in the U17 World Cup and make her 2017 debut in the then-nascent Liga MX Femenil, where she won six league titles.
Transfer records seem to be short-lived in women's soccer, reflecting the sport's growth worldwide and clubs' willingness to pay for talent. Before Ovalle's transfer, the most expensive transfer was that of Canadian Olivia Smith from Liverpool to Arsenal for $1.34 million, a transaction that took place in July. In January, American Naomi Girma was transferred from the San Diego Wave to Chelsea for $1.1 million.
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