Women’s football transfer records: Why blockbuster 2025 deals are a key milestone | OneFootball

Women’s football has entered a new era as transfer records continue to be broken. In 2025 alone, the world transfer record has been broken multiple times — highlighting the sport’s rapid growth and rising value.

Each major deal is a positive signal, proving that elite women’s talent commands a serious investment.

This surge in record-breaking moves reflects a shift in how clubs, leagues and fans view the women’s game. Investment, ambition and commercial belief are aligning to push it forward.

When Chelsea broke the transfer record by signing Pernille Harder in 2020, she would be the most expensive player for the next two years. This was, until Keira Walsh’s move from Manchester City to Barcelona broke the record in 2022.

Chelsea smashed the record again in 2024 when Mayra Ramirez joined the club to replace the injured Sam Kerr.

Racheal Kundananji made the mega-switch to Bay FC much later in the year, marking the first time the transfer record was broken twice in a year. It was a sign of the sport’s rapid financial maturity and market growth. Kundananji also became the first African player, male or female, to break a transfer record.

Embed from Getty Images

Transfer records broken in 2025

Naomi Girma moved from San Diego Wave to Chelsea in January 2025 for around $1.1 million (£890,000), becoming one of the first players to cross the $1 million mark.

In July, Olivia Smith transferred from Liverpool to Arsenal for £1 million, marking the first seven-figure transfer in women’s football (in pounds) and breaking Girma’s earlier record.Then in August, Lizbeth Ovalle moved from Tigres UANL Femenil to Orlando Pride for $1.5 million, upping the world transfer record once again.Most recently, Grace Geyoro transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to London City Lionesses for €1.65 million (£1.43 million). Reports at the time claimed the move smashed the transfer record once again, but London City chief executive Martin Semmens has since debunked this.

“It is a fantastic signing and a fantastic player, but the numbers are not quite right. It is a big deal around the £1m mark but not a world record, sadly,” he revealed.

Regardless of whether it was a record or not, Geyoro’s transfer remains up there as one of the most expensive in the history of women’s football. These four major deals show a steep and fast climb in the transfer market this year alone.

Embed from Getty Images

Why women’s record transfer records truly matter

Valuation of talent has leapfrogged

Clubs are no longer testing the waters with modest fees. They are paying premium prices for players with proven ability and promise. As a result, players can command better contracts and support packages.

Global competition is heating up

Transfers are now flowing between Mexico, the US, England, and beyond. This implies that leagues across the world are investing competitively. And the ultimate prize isn’t just a championship but also the chance to win the hearts of fans.

Commercial and visibility boosts

Record fees generate buzz. The media picks up the stories, and sponsors gain interest. For example, when Olivia Smith joined Arsenal, the seven-figure transfer made global headlines. That exposure helps leagues and clubs attract more fans and partners.

Smaller clubs stand to benefit

This is one of the most important ripple effects. When a club sells a player for a record fee, that often means money is invested back into youth systems, coaching and facilities. It gives talent pathways real financial incentives and rewards.

Embed from Getty Images

What we should expect going forward

These record-breaking transfers in 2025 are major milestones, signals that the industry is waking up. Leagues, fans and investors now understand that women’s football has both audience and impact.

Young players now see proof. They can build professional careers where their skills are both valued and rewarded. More importantly, these moves set the stage for the next decade. As clubs invest more aggressively, as broadcast deals expand, and as sponsorships increase, the pace of growth is likely to accelerate.

Women’s football is carving its own path with ambition, recognition and value. If clubs steward these investments responsibly — ensuring sustainability, fairness and player welfare — 2025 could mark the start of a new golden age.

Related articles from Her Football Hub: