Women's transfer record history: The most expensive players in women's football

February 01, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Women's transfer record history: The most expensive players in women's football

Women's football is booming, and so are transfer fees. With investment rising across Europe and the United States, record-breaking deals are no longer rare events.

In fact, the world-record fee has reportedly been surpassed multiple times in recent seasons, pushing early landmark transfers far down the all-time list.

Here's a look at the most expensive transfers in women's football history, based on reported fees.

10. Sam Coffey - Portland Thorns → Manchester City Women

Reported fee: $875,000

Manchester City strengthened an already title-chasing squad by bringing in one of the game's top holding midfielders.

Coffey built her reputation with Portland and the USWNT as an elite No.6, and City paid a club-record sum to secure her control and defensive intelligence in midfield.

9. Racheal Kundananji - Madrid CFF → Bay FC

Reported fee: $862,000

Kundananji briefly became the world's most expensive women's footballer after her prolific spell in Spain.

Her move signalled serious ambition from expansion side Bay FC as the NWSL's financial power began reshaping the global market.

8. Keira Walsh - Barcelona → Chelsea Women

Reported fee: $884,000 (after add-ons)

Already a former record-holder, Walsh again featured in a major deal when returning to England.

Add-ons reportedly pushed the total higher, underlining Chelsea's willingness to pay premium fees for world-class midfield control.

7. Tarciane - Houston Dash → Olympique Lyonnais Féminin

Reported fee: $960,000

Lyon's investment in the 21-year-old centre-back reflected both her ceiling and the French giants' determination to stay at the top of European football.

6. Naomi Girma - San Diego Wave → Chelsea

Reported fee: $1,100,000

Girma became the first player to break the $1 million barrier.

Widely considered among the best defenders in the world, her move was a landmark moment in the commercial growth of the women's game.

5. Jaedyn Shaw - North Carolina Courage → NJ/NY Gotham FC

Reported fee: $1,250,000

The biggest intra-NWSL deal ever at the time, Shaw's transfer highlighted how the U.S. league had become a major financial force, not just a talent exporter.

4. Olivia Smith - Liverpool → Arsenal Women

Reported fee: $1,270,000

Arsenal made Smith the first million-pound player in women's football, betting on the explosive young attacker after standout domestic cup performances.

3. Alyssa Thompson - Angel City → Chelsea

Reported fee: $1,300,000 (with add-ons)

Widely regarded as one of the brightest young stars in world football, Thompson's move added further fuel to the escalating fee trend at the top of the market.

2. Lizbeth Ovalle - Tigres → Orlando Pride

Reported fee: $1,500,000

Ovalle's transfer was another global statement from the NWSL, luring one of Mexico's biggest stars with a then world-record fee.

1. Grace Geyoro - PSG → London City Lionesses

Reported fee: $1,930,000

A new record was set when London City Lionesses secured the PSG captain.

Backed by major investment, the club made a dramatic statement ahead of their top-flight ambitions.

Why transfer records keep rising

Several factors are driving the surge in fees:

Increased broadcast deals
Commercial growth of the Women's Super League and NWSL
Greater sponsorship investment
Clubs treating women's teams as long-term elite projects

What once seemed extraordinary - a six-figure transfer - is now routine at the top end of the market.

And if recent trends continue, today's world-record fee may not stand for long.

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