Tigres star Lizbeth Ovalle reportedly set for NWSL switch in world-record $1.5M transfer

Mexican international Lizbeth Ovalle is reportedly on the verge of making history with a world-record transfer move to the National Women’s Soccer League. According to ESPN, the Tigres Femenil standout is finalizing a deal with the Orlando Pride worth around $1.5 million - a record fee in the women’s game.

Ovalle, 25, has spent her entire professional career with Tigres since debuting in 2017. In eight years, she has become one of Liga MX Femenil’s most decorated players, winning nine titles - six league championships and three Campeón de Campeonas - while amassing 136 goals across 292 official matches. She also featured in this year’s Apertura, recording two goals in six appearances before the move.

If confirmed, Ovalle would become the first Mexican player, male or female, to hold the world record for a transfer fee. The current mark belongs to Canada’s Olivia Smith, who joined Arsenal last month for $1.34 million (£1 million).

Previously linked with Barcelona, Ovalle now looks set to continue her career in the United States. Orlando Pride, the defending NWSL champion, is reportedly completing the deal as the team battles near the top of the table with an 8W-4D-4L record.

On the international stage, Ovalle has earned more than 50 caps for Mexico. She was named to the Best XI at the 2023 Concacaf W Gold Cup and starred in the 2024 edition, scoring a stunning opening goal against the U.S. in a historic 2-0 group stage victory.