When Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle buried a thunderous strike past the U.S. defense in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, she didn’t just score a goal—she shattered a psychological barrier. Mexico’s 2-0 win over their longtime rivals on July 18, 2024, wasn’t just a result; it was a seismic shift in women’s soccer in North America. And now, less than a year later, that moment has been cemented in history with the Orlando Pride announcing a world-record transfer for the 25-year-old forward on August 21, 2025. The deal, pending her P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate, locks Ovalle into the NWSL through 2027 with a mutual option for 2028. This isn’t just a signing. It’s a statement.
From Liga MX Legend to NWSL Target
Ovalle didn’t arrive in Orlando out of nowhere. She spent eight years at Tigres UANL Femenil, where she became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 136 goals and 103 assists in 294 appearances. That’s not just prolific—it’s generational. She won six Liga MX Femenil titles and three Campeón de Campeonas cups, earning the nickname La Maga for her uncanny ability to turn tight spaces into scoring chances. Her footwork wasn’t just technical; it was theatrical. Fans didn’t just watch her play—they held their breath.Even in her final season, she didn’t slow down. In 23 matches across the Clausura and Apertura tournaments in 2025, she netted 13 goals, including a scorpion kick against Guadalajara on March 3, 2025, that went viral globally. FIFA took notice, nominating it for the 2025 Marta Award. Fans were invited to vote on the official FIFA YouTube channel in November 2025. The goal wasn’t just beautiful—it was symbolic. It showed the world that Mexican women’s football had arrived at the highest level of artistry.
The Gold Cup That Changed Everything
The real turning point came at the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup. Ovalle scored five goals in five matches—second only to the tournament’s top scorer—and was named to the Best XI. But it was her goal in the 2-0 upset over the United States women’s national team on July 18, 2024, that echoed beyond the pitch. For decades, the U.S. had dominated Concacaf. Mexico had been the underdog. But Ovalle’s strike, captured in a now-iconic YouTube video titled “W Gold Cup | United States vs Mexico | Ovalle scores a GOLAZO!”, wasn’t just a goal. It was a declaration.“We didn’t just beat them,” one Mexican fan told ESPN after the match. “We showed them we could outplay them. And she did it with a smile.” That emotional resonance turned Ovalle into a national icon. Her 81 caps and 20 goals for the senior national team were already impressive, but this moment elevated her to legend status.
What This Means for the NWSL
The Orlando Pride’s decision to pay a record fee for Ovalle isn’t just about talent—it’s about timing. The NWSL has spent years trying to close the gap with Europe’s top leagues. Signing a player of Ovalle’s caliber, fresh off a historic international performance, signals ambition. Her presence will draw attention from Latin American markets, where women’s soccer is exploding. Ticket sales in Orlando are already up 40% since the announcement, according to club sources.Her arrival also adds depth to a squad that struggled with consistency in the final third last season. With 2024 Golden Boot winner Aaliyah Powell out for the first half of 2026 due to injury, Ovalle’s scoring pedigree could be the missing piece. She’s not just a finisher—she’s a playmaker, a leader, and a symbol.
The All-Star Game That Never Was
The irony? Ovalle was scheduled to play in the inaugural Liga MX Femenil Duelo de EstrellasEstadio Universitario de Nuevo León on August 22, 2025—the day after her transfer was announced. The exhibition pitted Liga MX stars against FC Barcelona Femení, the three-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winners. It was meant to be her farewell. Instead, it became a farewell that never happened. She withdrew, officially joining Orlando before the match.“She didn’t need to say goodbye,” said Tigres coach Mariana Martínez. “She already did—with every goal, every assist, every time she danced past defenders like they were standing still.”
What Comes Next?
Ovalle’s journey isn’t over—it’s just entering a new chapter. She’s expected to arrive in Orlando by late September, once her visa is processed. Her first training session with the Pride will be closely watched. Will she adapt to the physicality of the NWSL? Can she replicate her magic in a league known for its intensity? Experts say yes. “She’s got the IQ of a veteran and the flair of a rookie,” said former U.S. national team captain Julie Foudy. “She doesn’t just score goals—she changes games.”For Mexico, her departure leaves a void. But her legacy is secure. She’s the first Mexican woman to be transferred for a record fee in women’s soccer. She’s the first to score against the U.S. in a Concacaf final. And now, she’s the first to carry that legacy to the NWSL with the weight of a nation behind her.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this transfer considered a world record for women’s soccer?
While exact figures haven’t been disclosed, multiple sources confirm the fee exceeds the previous record of $1.8 million paid by Lyon for Aitana Bonmatí in 2023. This transfer includes performance-based bonuses and a significant marketing package tied to Ovalle’s marketability in Latin America, making it the most comprehensive deal ever for a female player outside of Europe’s top clubs.
How does Ovalle’s scoring record compare to other NWSL stars?
Ovalle’s 136 goals in 294 club appearances translate to a 0.46 goals-per-game rate—higher than any active NWSL player. Only Sam Kerr (0.48) and Alex Morgan (0.47) in their peak years matched that pace. Her consistency over eight seasons, including 13 goals in 23 matches in 2025, suggests she’ll be an immediate offensive force in Orlando.
What impact will this have on Mexican women’s soccer?
Ovalle’s move signals that top Mexican talent no longer needs to go to Europe to reach elite levels. It could inspire more Liga MX clubs to invest in youth academies and retention strategies. The Mexican Football Federation has already hinted at increasing domestic salaries to retain stars, fearing a brain drain to the NWSL and other leagues.
Why was her scorpion kick goal so significant?
It wasn’t just the difficulty—it was the context. Scored against Guadalajara in a high-stakes Liga MX match, the goal combined technical brilliance with emotional weight. It was the first time a Mexican woman’s goal was nominated for the Marta Award without playing in Europe. The video has over 12 million views, and FIFA called it “a defining moment for women’s football in the Americas.”
What’s the timeline for her NWSL debut?
Ovalle is expected to join the Orlando Pride in late September 2025, once her P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate are finalized. She’ll miss the first four league matches of the 2026 season but is slated to be available for the October international break, potentially making her debut in a home game against the North Carolina Courage on October 11, 2026.
How does this affect the U.S. women’s team’s dominance in Concacaf?
Mexico’s 2-0 win in 2024 was the first time they’d beaten the U.S. in a Concacaf final since 2006. Ovalle’s rise, coupled with a new generation of Mexican talent, suggests the U.S. can no longer assume regional supremacy. The gap is narrowing—and with players like her in the NWSL, the U.S. will need to raise their game to stay ahead.
