Orlando Pride Sets World Record with Acquisition of Mexican Forward Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle

Orlando Pride Shatters Records with Acquisition of Mexican Star Lizbeth Ovalle

ORLANDO, FL – August 21, 2025 – The Orlando Pride have dramatically reshaped the landscape of the National Women’s Soccer League, announcing today the acquisition of Mexican National Team forward Lizbeth jacqueline Ovalle from Tigres UANL Femenil. The transfer fee, undisclosed but confirmed as a world record for women’s soccer, secures Ovalle’s services through the 2027 season, with a mutual option extending through 2028. Her arrival is contingent upon receiving a P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.

A Historic Transfer and a Statement of Intent

This landmark deal marks the second consecutive year the Pride have been at the forefront of significant investment in women’s soccer. Following last year’s acquisition of forward Barbra Banda, Orlando becomes the only club globally to feature two players among the six most expensive transfers in the history of the sport. This demonstrates a clear commitment to building a championship-contending team and elevating the profile of women’s football.

“We are deeply committed to building championship-caliber teams year after year and this landmark signing is a reflection of that focus,” stated Mark Wilf, Owner and Chairman of the Orlando Pride. “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’re proud to lead the way in investing in the women’s game, not just for today’s success, but to shape the future of the sport for generations to come.”

Haley Carter, Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and sporting Director, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Jacquie to orlando Pride and make history together with this record-breaking transfer. This move represents our unwavering commitment to elevating women’s football and investing in world-class talent.”

Ovalle’s Illustrious Career

Known affectionately as “La Maga” (the Magician) for her extraordinary footwork and finishing ability,Lizbeth Ovalle leaves Tigres Femenil as their all-time leading scorer with an impressive 136 goals and 103 assists in 294 appearances. Her impact on the club saw them clinch six Liga MX Femenil titles and three Campeón de Campeonas cups.

The 25-year-old forward has also excelled on the international stage, earning 81 caps for the Mexican National Team and scoring 20 goals.she was a key figure in Mexico’s gold medal-winning performance at the 2023 Pan American Games and notably scored in their historic 2-0 victory over the United States at the 2024 concacaf W Gold Cup, earning a spot on the tournament’s Best XI. Earlier, she was instrumental in Mexico’s 2018 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship victory and scored a memorable goal at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Statistic	Value
Age	25
National Team Appearances	81
International Goals	20
Club Goals (Tigres Femenil)	136
Club Assists (Tigres Femenil)	103

Ovalle’s immediate plans include participation in the inaugural Liga MX Femenil Duelo de Estrellas (all-Star game) on August 22nd, facing off against three-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winners FC Barcelona before officially joining the Pride.

The Pride will continue their season on the road against Angel City FC on August 21st before returning to host Gotham FC on August 29th. Tickets for all upcoming matches, including their Concacaf W Champions Cup debut, can be purchased here.

The Growing Investment in Women’s Soccer

The increasing investment in women’s soccer, as demonstrated by the Orlando Pride’s activity, reflects a broader trend. Global viewership and sponsorship deals are steadily rising. According to a recent report by Deloitte, women’s football is experiencing exponential growth, with projected revenue increases of over 300% in the next decade. This paradigm shift is not only elevating the quality of play but also creating more opportunities for professional athletes and driving increased media coverage.

Did You Know? The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw record-breaking attendance and viewership numbers, further demonstrating the growing global appeal of the sport.

pro Tip: Keep an eye on emerging leagues and players from around the globe, as the talent pool in women’s soccer continues to expand.

Frequently Asked questions About Lizbeth Ovalle

• What position does Lizbeth Ovalle play? She is a forward known for her goal-scoring ability and skillful footwork.
• how many goals has Lizbeth Ovalle scored for Tigres Femenil? She is the club’s all-time leading scorer with 136 goals.
• What is Lizbeth Ovalle’s nickname? She is affectionately known as “La Maga” (The Magician).
• Has Lizbeth Ovalle represented Mexico internationally? Yes, she has 81 appearances and 20 goals for the Mexican National Team.
• What is the significance of this transfer for the NWSL? This transfer sets a new record for women’s soccer and signals a growing investment in the league.
• When will Lizbeth Ovalle officially join the Orlando Pride? After participating in the Liga MX Femenil Duelo de Estrellas on August 22nd.

What are your expectations for Lizbeth Ovalle’s performance with the Orlando Pride? How do you see this transfer impacting the future of the NWSL?

What was the previous record transfer fee for a Liga MX femenil player moving to an international league?

A Historic Transfer in the NWSL

The orlando Pride have made history, securing the services of mexican international forward Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle in a transfer deal that’s being hailed as a world record for a player moving from Liga MX Femenil to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The move, finalized on August 21, 2025, considerably elevates the Pride’s attacking options and signals a growing trend of NWSL teams investing in talent from Mexico’s burgeoning women’s league. This acquisition isn’t just about a single player; it’s a statement about the increasing global reach and competitiveness of the NWSL.

Understanding the Transfer Fee & Its Meaning

While the exact transfer fee remains undisclosed, sources close to both clubs confirm it surpasses previous records for outbound Liga MX Femenil players. This demonstrates the rising value placed on Mexican talent, especially Ovalle, who has consistently been a standout performer for both Club Tigres and the Mexican Women’s National Team.

Previous Record: Prior to this deal, the highest transfer fee for a Liga MX Femenil player moving to an international league was reportedly around $250,000.

Impact on liga MX Femenil: This record-breaking transfer is expected to further boost the profile and financial stability of Liga MX Femenil, encouraging other clubs to invest in player growth and infrastructure.

NWSL Investment: The Pride’s willingness to pay a premium fee highlights the NWSL’s growing financial muscle and commitment to attracting top talent from around the world.

Lizbeth Ovalle: Player Profile & Strengths

Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle, 28, is a dynamic and versatile forward known for her pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing. She’s a key component of the El Tri Femenil attack and brings a wealth of international experience to Orlando.

Position: Primarily plays as a forward, capable of operating as a center-forward or on either wing.

Key Attributes:

Pace & Dribbling: Extraordinary speed and agility make her a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Finishing: A proven goalscorer with a knack for finding the back of the net.

Work Rate: Known for her tireless work ethic and pressing ability.

Aerial Ability: Strong in the air, posing a threat from crosses and set pieces.

International Career: Has represented Mexico at multiple FIFA Women’s World cups and CONCACAF Championships.

Club Career: Previously with club Tigres, where she was a consistent top scorer in Liga MX Femenil.

How Ovalle Fits into the Orlando Pride’s System

The Orlando Pride, currently coached by [insert Coach’s Name Here], have been actively rebuilding their squad in recent seasons. Ovalle’s arrival addresses a clear need for a prolific goalscorer and adds another dimension to their attack.

Potential Partnerships: Expect to see Ovalle link up with existing Pride stars like [Insert Player Names Here] to create a potent attacking force.

Tactical Adaptability: Her versatility allows the coach to deploy her in various formations, providing tactical flexibility.

Impact on Team Dynamics: Ovalle’s experience and leadership qualities are expected to have a positive impact on the team’s overall morale and performance.

The Growing Trend of Mexican Players in the NWSL

Ovalle isn’t the first Mexican player to make the jump to the NWSL, but her transfer represents a critically important escalation in the level of investment and attention being paid to Liga MX Femenil.

Recent Signings: several other Mexican players have recently signed with NWSL clubs, including [Insert Player Names Here].

Scouting Networks: NWSL teams are increasingly establishing scouting networks in Mexico to identify and recruit promising talent.

Increased visibility: The growing presence of Mexican players in the NWSL is helping to raise the profile of the league in Mexico and attract a new fanbase.

Benefits for Orlando & the NWSL

this acquisition offers numerous benefits, extending beyond just on-field performance.

Increased Fan Engagement: Ovalle’s arrival is expected to attract a larger Mexican-American fanbase to Pride games.

Enhanced Brand Reputation: The Pride’s commitment to investing in international talent enhances their brand reputation and positions them as a forward-thinking club.

Competitive Advantage: Ovalle’s quality and experience give the Pride a significant competitive advantage in the NWSL.

Growth of Women’s Soccer: The transfer contributes to the overall growth and development of women’s soccer globally.

Practical Tips for Fans: Following Lizbeth Ovalle & the Orlando Pride

official Website: Stay updated on the latest news and details at the Orlando Pride’s official website: [Insert Official Website Link Here].

Social Media: Follow the Pride and Lizbeth Ovalle on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) for exclusive content and updates.

NWSL Schedule: Check the NWSL schedule to find out when and where you can watch the Pride play.

* Streaming Options: Games are typically streamed live on platforms like Paramount