The Orlando Pride has acquired midfielder and Mexican international Lizbeth Jacqueline “The Magician” Ovalle for a world-record fee, the club announced on Thursday. Ovalle will join the Pride through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028.
As a superstar with Mexico and Tigres, Ovalle is one of the biggest acquisitions not just for the Pride, but for the NWSL. 25-year-old Ovalle is known as “La Maga” or “The Magician” for her skillful footwork and finishing ability.
ESPN reported that Orlando
will pay a transfer fee of $1.5 million for Ovalle. This fee breaks the previous record set just last month, which was a $1.3 million fee for Canadian striker Olivia Smith, who moved from Liverpool to Arsenal in the WSL.
Previously, the record was set by Chelsea’s $1.1 million transfer fee for USWNT defender Naomi Girma in January.
As investment in women’s soccer grows, top transfer fees will continue to increase.
The Pride previously paid a near-record transfer fee for star Barbra Banda, who was a crucial player in their NWSL Championship and Shield win in 2024. Banda joined the Pride last year for a $740,000 transfer fee from Shanghai Shengli FC in the Chinese Women’s Super League.
With the acquisitions of Banda and Ovalle, the Pride has now completed two of the most expensive transfers in women’s soccer. They are the only club in the world with two of the six highest-valued transfers of all time.
“We are deeply committed to building championship-caliber teams year after year and this landmark signing is a reflection of that focus,” said Mark Wilf, Orlando Pride Owner and Chairman. “Jacquie is a world-class talent and a proven winner, and her arrival in Orlando marks another step on our journey to position the Pride among the elite clubs in global women’s soccer.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Jacquie to Orlando Pride and make history together with this record-breaking transfer,” said Haley Carter, Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director. “This move represents our unwavering commitment to elevating women’s football and investing in world-class talent. We extend our sincere gratitude to Tigres Femenil and The Marketing Jersey agency for their professionalism and collaboration throughout this process.”
Ovalle leaves Tigres as their all-time leading goal scorer. Through her eight years with the club, she scored an incredible 136 goals and 103 assists across 294 appearances, and won six Liga MX Femenil titles and three Campeón de Campeonas cups.
She is also a key part of the Mexican international team, where she has scored 20 goals across 81 appearances. Her international accolades include a gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games and being named to the Best XI at the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.
“I’m very happy to join Orlando Pride,” said Ovalle. “I’m coming with the clear objective of winning titles and leaving a mark with the Club. I’m ready to give it my all and help Orlando Pride continue to be a leading team.”
The Orlando Pride are currently third on the NWSL table with an 8-4-4 record. The Pride will play their next game against Angel City on August 21st.
