Here’s about Olivia Smith Becomes Women’s Football’s First £1 Million Player with Arsenal Signing
Canadian striker Olivia Smith is the initial women’s footballer to surpass the £1 million transfer fee hurdle when she transferred from Liverpool to Arsenal on a world-record transfer worth that same figure (£1 m, or about $1.34 m)
This smashes the last record, which had been established in early 2025 when Chelsea had signed Naomi Girma for about £890,000
Arsenal’s acquisition says much about their aspirations as well as the quickly evolving economics of women’s football.
Who is Olivia Smith?
Smith, at 20, is already an incredible player. She was Canada’s youngest-ever senior international debutant at 15 years and 94 days back in 2019
Professionalized in 2022 with North Toronto Nitros, scoring 18 goals in only 11 matches and earning a set of honors, including Golden Boot and Young Player of the Season
Transferred to Sporting CP (Portugal) in 2023, scoring 16 times in 28 matches and receiving Liga BPI Player and Young Player of the Year
Signed by Liverpool in July 2024 for an estimated £200,000 and scoring seven WSL goals from 20 matches, contributing almost one-third of the club’s league totals and collecting both Player of the Season and Young Player awards at Liverpool
Player Profile & Potential
Versatility: Comfortable playing centrally and on both sides, has the ability to switch tactically – a blessing for head coach Renée Slegers’ approach
High work rate: Has averaged 22 defensive presses per 90 minutes, which is in line with Arsenal’s front-foot high-tempo style
Character & mindset: Complimented for her passion and flexibility playing in different European leagues at a young age
The Deal & What It Means
Liverpool’s revival: Had signed Smith for around £210,000 initially and have banked nearly £800,000 profit on the sale
Arsenal’s strategy: Having just won the Women’s Champions League, Arsenal is going big-time-big-time recruiting Chloe Kelly and Taylor Hinds-as it seeks to continue dominating at home and in Europe
Market momentum: This transfer completes one year in which some of the world records of fees paid by women’s clubs have been broken-reflecting off-the-charts interest, TV contracts, and economic growth of the sport
Voices from the Pitch
Lauren Hemp, during Euro 2025
“It’s good to see and evidence that women’s footballers are good… it is the way the women’s game is heading.”
Arsenal director Clare Wheatley described Smith as one of the most talented young prospects in the game, with immense potential to develop further at the club
Coach Renée Slegers added:
“Olivia is an exciting young player, we’ve been impressed by her mentality and character.”
Conclusion: Olivia Smith’s signing with Arsenal is a headline-grabber-it’s a milestone in the development of women’s football. As a pioneering talent supported by conviction and capital, she embodies the very essence of the future of a sport hurtling toward parity, professionalism, and international recognition.
Olivia Smith becomes first £1 million player in history of women’s football with Arsenal signing
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