Olivia Smith Makes History as First £1M Female Footballer

The 20-year-old Canadian is now the most expensive signing in women’s football history, surpassing the previous record set by Chelsea’s £890,000 acquisition of US defender Naomi Girma.

In women’s football, Canadian forward Olivia Smith made history by being the first player to transfer £1 million ($1.34 million) to Arsenal before the 2025–2026 season.

The 20-year-old, who has committed to a four-year contract with the defending UEFA Women’s Champions League champions, left Liverpool following an exceptional season in which she scored nine goals in 25 games.

The transfer fee is officially unknown, but according to some sources, it exceeds £1 million, breaking the previous record set by Chelsea’s £890,000 ($1.1 million) acquisition of US defender Naomi Girma. This makes Smith the most costly signing in women’s football history.

Smith said on the Arsenal website, “It’s a privilege and an honor to sign for Arsenal.” “To compete for the biggest titles in England and Europe is my dream.”

Smith, who at the age of 15 became Canada’s youngest-ever senior international, is anticipated to be crucial to Arsenal’s title defense. Director Clare Wheatley referred to her as “one of the most talented young players in the game,” while Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers commended her “mentality and ambition.”

Smith is the star of Arsenal’s successful summer recruitment campaign, which has also seen the addition of goalkeeper Anneke Borbe, Taylor Hinds, and Chloe Kelly on free transfers to bolster an already formidable team.