Long journey results in success: Mexican soccer talent Lizbeth Ovalle secures historic deal after ten-hour commute
Lizbeth Ovalle, a speedy and skilled Mexican striker, has made history by breaking the record for the most expensive player in women's professional soccer history. Ovalle is leaving Tigres to join Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), in a record-breaking deal worth $1.5 million.
Ovalle's transfer far surpasses the previous record held by Rebecca Bernal, who moved from Monterrey to the Washington Spirit in 2024. Before her move to Orlando Pride, the most expensive transfer in women's soccer was Olivia Smith's move from Liverpool to Arsenal for $1.34 million.
Ovalle's talent has been recognised by numerous clubs, with links to the Washington Spirit, Utah, Bay City, and Chicago, in addition to European giants such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, and West Ham, and the Houston Dash in 2019. However, it was Orlando Pride who secured her services in a deal that is being seen as a statement about Mexican talent and the quality of the Mexican league.
In the 2025 Clausura, Ovalle played 21 games, scored 18 goals, and had six assists, showcasing her impressive one-on-one skills and speed. With this transfer, Ovalle becomes the second Mexican-born player to make the leap to the NWSL via transfer, following in the footsteps of Rebecca Bernal.
Orlando Pride owner Mark Wilf stated that the club is deeply committed to building championship-caliber teams, and the signing of Ovalle is a significant step in that direction. Guillermo Zamarripa, an agent who was key in Ovalle's jump to the NWSL, highlights the growth of the league, with more and more top talent being attracted to the NWSL.
Ovalle will join Orlando Pride at an exciting time, as the club is the reigning NWSL champion, boasting a star-studded line-up that includes Brazilian legend Marta and Zambian star Barbra Banda. Jorge Rodríguez, Ovalle's agent, describes the move as a turning point in Mexican soccer, with more Mexican players expected to follow in Ovalle's footsteps and make the move to top European and American leagues.
The move to Orlando Pride was not Ovalle's only option, as she had the opportunity to stay and become the highest-paid player in Mexico. However, Ovalle chose to embrace the international challenge and take her career to the next level in the NWSL.
The news of Ovalle's move comes as Eva Longoria is trying to boost Liga MX's Necaxa, but this information is not related to the previous facts about Lizbeth Ovalle. Regardless, Ovalle's move is a significant moment for women's soccer and Mexican soccer, and it is clear that Ovalle is poised to make a big impact in the NWSL.
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