Arsenal Makes Historic Signing! Olivia Smith Becomes Women's Football's First-Ever £1 Million Transfer

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 17:04 IST

Olivia Smith is now the most expensive player in women's football, transferring to Arsenal from Liverpool for £1 million. She will wear No. 15 and aims for major titles.

Olivia Smith signing for Arsenal (X)

Canada international Olivia Smith has made history by becoming the most expensive player in women’s football, completing a record-breaking £1 million transfer to Arsenal from Liverpool.

Smith has signed a long-term contract with the North London club and will wear the No. 15 jersey as she begins her journey in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

“It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal," she said in a statement. “It’s my dream to compete for the biggest titles here in England and in Europe, and I’m excited to get started and contribute to doing that here with Arsenal. The atmosphere the supporters create at Emirates Stadium is incredible and I can’t wait to have that behind me now."

Rise Through the Ranks

Smith began her footballing journey in Canada before making a name for herself in the U.S. college system. Her rapid development earned her a move to Europe, signing her first professional contract with Sporting Clube de Portugal in July 2023.

She made an immediate impact, scoring a goal and providing an assist on her debut. Smith went on to score 16 goals in 28 appearances during the 2023/24 season, earning both Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season honours at Sporting.

In July 2024, Smith made the move to the Women’s Super League, joining Liverpool. She quickly established herself as a key player, scoring nine goals in 25 matches across all competitions.

Her performances earned her Liverpool’s Player of the Season award and a Women’s Super League Rising Star nomination, solidifying her status as one of the most promising young talents in world football.

A Trailblazer for Canada

Smith’s talent was evident from a young age. She became Canada’s youngest-ever senior international when she earned her first cap at just 15 years old in 2019.

Since then, she has earned 18 international caps, scoring four goals, and has represented Canada at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Her standout performances at the Gold Cup earned her the Best Young Player award, and she was also named Canada’s Young Player of the Year in 2024.

(with IANS inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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