The Liga MX Femenil star looked set for a move to Europe but instead goes to the NWSL as the most expensive player in the history of the women's game
While 2024 for the United States women's national team will be remembered for Olympic gold, there was a moment before that glory, before Emma Hayes and even before victory at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, when there was concern among American fans that their woes from 2023, which included a worst-ever performance at the Women's World Cup, would continue into the New Year. That moment came in a 2-0 defeat to Mexico at the Gold Cup, one Lizbeth Ovalle, with her cool and composed finish, kickstarted.
Ovalle won't have been a new name for fans of the U.S, who experienced plenty of joy and triumph after that February loss. The winger has come up against the four-time world champion plenty of times in CONCACAF competition and has continued to make her mark on the continent in club competition this past year, with some top performances in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup and CONCACAF W Champions Cup.
Now, having looked primed to introduce herself to a whole new audience in Europe, the best player in Mexico is going to familiarise herself much, much more with that U.S. audience. After being linked with all of Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Wolfsburg, Ovalle has instead departed Tigres to join the Orlando Pride in the NWSL – becoming the most expensive player in the history of the women's game in the process.
Getty ImagesWhere it all began
A promising Mexico youth international who was part of the team which defeated the U.S. in the final to win its first CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship back in 2018, Ovalle made her debut for Tigres back in 2017 and won her first senior international cap a year later, both milestones coming when she was still a teenager.
No team has won more Liga MX Femenil titles than Tigres, so establishing herself in a side that was among the nation's very best as soon as the league launched was always going to be a tough task, but Ovalle equipped herself admirably to steadily become one of Las Amazonas' most important players, helping the team to win each of those six national championships and watching her status in the squad increase along the way, to the point that she departed as the club's all-time top goal-scorer.
The 25-year-old, nicknamed 'La Maga' or 'the magician', has grown to hold a crucial role with the national team too, emerging as a regular starter as early as 2019.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe big break
While Ovalle has delivered several seasons of brilliance in Mexico, it was in 2024 that those performances seemed to transcend and grab more attention outside of her home country. A prolific return of 18 goals through Liga MX's Apertura helped Tigres reach the final of the play-offs, though it fell agonisingly short in its quest for another championship when it was defeated on penalties by Monterrey. Still, Ovalle was one of the best players across the league through the campaign, if not the best.
Throw in other high-profile moments, like her performance and goal against the U.S. back in February and some impressive displays against NWSL sides in continental competition, and it's no surprise the winger ended the year linked to almost every top club in Europe.
Getty ImagesHow it's going
As Ovalle entered the New Year, it felt like a question of when, rather than if, she would head to Europe. According to , which reported interest from the continent's biggest clubs, Tigres was always eager to ensure she did not leave on a free transfer. With the Orlando Pride paying a world-record transfer fee of $1.5 million (£1.1m) for her signature, the Mexican giant has certainly got its wish there.
Getty ImagesBiggest strengths
It's easy to see why so many top clubs have long been interested in Ovalle. After all, she's an explosive, game-changing talent who scores goals. Her wicked left foot is great for crossing or shooting, including directly from free-kicks, while her technique always stands out. The winger has a great first touch and is very skilful, with her certainly not hesitant to show that as she willingly runs at markers.
There are plenty of other traits that make the Mexico international an attractive transfer target, such as her anticipation and reading of the game, clever movement and strong work ethic. While some forwards are quick to neglect their defensive duties, Ovalle is not, and that attitude also makes her an asset when pressing from the front.