Women’s soccer has just written a new historic chapter. Mexican forward Jacqueline “La Maga” Ovalle, 25, has become the most expensive player of all time after her signing with Orlando Pride of the NWSL was confirmed for $1.5 million USD, a figure that surpasses all previous records in the international market.
Ovalle leaves behind eight years with Club Tigres, where she amassed 136 goals, 103 assists in 294 matches, and played a decisive role in the playoffs with 27 goals. She is Tigres’ all-time top scorer, the player with the most goals in finals (8) and in the Clásico Regio (12).
During her stay, she won six Liga MX Femenil titles and three Campeón de Campeones trophies, cementing her status as a true idol for Tigres fans.
Tigres bid farewell to their star with an emotional statement: “Thank you, Jacquie! Your magic and your Tigres Spirit made history with Las Amazonas. Your legacy will be eternal and this will always be your home.”
Ovalle, for her part, thanked the club and the fans: “I originally came to UANL for a scholarship. I never imagined a league would open in Mexico and that it would have this impact. Today, I leave with gratitude and ready for a new challenge.”
The striker has also left her mark with the National Team: 81 international appearances and 20 goals, including the decisive ones that earned Mexico the gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games and the historic victory over the United States in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, where she was named to the Best XI.
A Groundbreaking Transfer
This deal places Ovalle at the top of the global women’s soccer market, surpassing the transfer of Olivia Smith to Arsenal for $1.33 million USD last July. It also eclipses major signings such as Naomi Girma (Chelsea, $1.1M USD), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC, €735,000), and Keira Walsh (Barcelona, €400,000).
With this move, a Mexican player now leads the list of the most expensive transfers in history.
Orlando Pride, current NWSL champions, strengthen their roster with a player at the peak of her career, capable of making a difference with her dribbling, powerful finishing, and vision. The club had already broken records in 2024 with the signing of Barbra Banda, and now adds “La Maga” Ovalle as a key piece to maintain its dominance in the United States.
Before joining Orlando, Ovalle will play her farewell match in Mexico this Friday, August 22, in the All-Star game against Barcelona—a fitting send-off in front of the fans who saw her become a legend.
Ovalle’s transfer not only marks a personal milestone. It also opens a new era in the evolution of women’s soccer, where players are no longer just competing on the pitch but also in a market that is beginning to recognize their true value.
Today, a Mexican is at the center of the soccer world.
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Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
