Fees have exploded from $470k to $1.65m in just three years

In just three years, women’s football has seen transfer fees surge from under half a million dollars to multi-million-dollar deals. Keira Walsh’s move to Barcelona in 2022 once stood as the pinnacle, but the record has been broken repeatedly since, each time by a wider margin. Today, the market spans North America, Europe, and Latin America, with clubs competing aggressively for top talent. Here’s a look at the players whose transfers have reshaped the landscape.

Grace Geyoro – $1.65m

From PSG to London City Lionesses (2025)
Grace Geyoro’s switch from Paris Saint-Germain to London City Lionesses was one of the shocks of the 2025 summer window. At roughly $1.65 million, it placed a newly promoted English club at the center of the transfer conversation. Geyoro, a Champions League finalist and France international, brings world-class pedigree to a team that has never operated at this level of spending. The deal underlined how fast the financial ceiling has risen, and how even smaller clubs are positioning themselves to compete for elite midfielders.

Lizbeth Ovalle – $1.5m

From Tigres to Orlando Pride (2025)
Lizbeth “La Maga” Ovalle became one of the most expensive women’s player in history with her $1.5 million move from Tigres to Orlando Pride. A hero of Mexican football and a star of Liga MX Femenil, Mexican star Lizbeth’s arrival in the NWSL marked a cultural and sporting milestone. Orlando not only secured a technically gifted winger with international experience, they also tapped into a passionate Mexican fan base. The transfer showed how the NWSL is ready to pay for both performance and star power, setting a new high-water mark in global women’s football.

Olivia Smith – $1.34m

From Liverpool to Arsenal (2025)
At just 19 years old, Canadian forward Olivia Smith became the Women’s Super League’s first million-dollar player when Arsenal paid $1.34 million to sign her from Liverpool. Smith, already an Olympian, blends versatility with raw attacking talent, and her ceiling is enormous. Arsenal’s investment was as much about the future as the present: she is expected to become one of the defining players of her generation. Her transfer confirmed the WSL’s role as one of the most competitive markets in the game.

Alyssa Thompson – $1.3m (up to $2m with add-ons)

From Angel City FC to Chelsea (2025)
Chelsea’s move for U.S. forward Alyssa Thompson resets the market at $1.3 million, with add-ons that could push it close to $2 million. Just 20 years old, Thompson already carries the profile of a superstar: a No. 1 NWSL draft pick, USWNT regular, and the face of Angel City’s project. For Chelsea, her arrival filled the gap left by Mayra Ramírez’s injury and signaled their intent to keep pace with Europe’s rising powers. For the NWSL, her sale set a record and demonstrated that American clubs can develop, showcase, and export world-class talent for major fees.

Naomi Girma – $1.1m

From San Diego Wave to Chelsea (2025)
In January 2025, Chelsea struck again by signing U.S. national team captain Naomi Girma for around $1.1 million. The center-back, recognized for her leadership and calmness under pressure, became the first player to officially break the million-dollar barrier. Her transfer not only strengthened Chelsea’s back line but also redefined the benchmark for defensive players in the women’s game.

Tarciane – $960k

From Houston Dash to Lyon (2025)
Lyon, long a powerhouse in European women’s football, paid $960,000 for 21-year-old Brazilian defender Tarciane. Known for her aerial dominance and physical style, she was the subject of intense competition, and Lyon’s willingness to spend nearly a million dollars underscored their commitment to rebuilding a Champions League-winning side. Her transfer confirmed that major spending is not confined to England or the U.S.

Racheal Kundananji – $860k

From Madrid CFF to Bay FC (2024)
Bay FC, a new NWSL franchise, made headlines by paying $860,000 to bring Zambian striker Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF. At the time, it was the most expensive deal in women’s football history. Kundananji, a prolific scorer in Spain, became the face of Bay FC’s expansion ambitions. Her signing showed how new clubs can immediately alter the market by committing big money to a proven star.

Barbra Banda – $740k

From Shanghai Shengli to Orlando Pride (2024)
Orlando Pride also set tongues wagging with the $740,000 acquisition of Zambia’s Barbra Banda. One of Africa’s brightest attacking talents, Banda brought pace, power, and a proven scoring record from the Chinese league. Her arrival signaled Orlando’s intent to become one of the NWSL’s dominant forces and showcased Africa’s growing influence in the global game.

Mayra Ramírez – $490k

From Levante to Chelsea (2024)
In January 2024, Chelsea spent $490,000 on Colombian forward Mayra Ramírez, a deal that briefly stood as the Women’s Super League record. Ramírez’s combination of size, technical skill, and pressing ability made her a perfect fit for Emma Hayes’ side. Though quickly surpassed in value, her transfer was an important marker in Chelsea’s aggressive approach to squad building.

Keira Walsh – $470k

From Manchester City to Barcelona (2022)
Keira Walsh’s move to Barcelona for $470,000 was once the world record and a symbol of the early stages of the market’s growth. The England midfielder joined Barça fresh off her Euros triumph, adding composure and control to their midfield. While her fee has since been dwarfed, Walsh’s transfer remains a watershed moment that legitimized high spending on women’s talent.