Arsenal made Olivia Smith First player of 1 million pounds sterling in the female game in record agree
Olivia Smith has now become the first player of 1 million pounds sterling in women’s football after leaving Liverpool to sign for Arsenal.
The 20 -year -old spent only 12 months on the Merseyside after joining the CP Sporting in July 2024, scoring nine goals 25, but that was enough to persuade the European champions to make her the most expensive signature in history.
“It is a privilege and an honor to sign for Arsenal,” said Smith. “It is my dream of competing for the greatest titles here in England and Europe and I am delighted to start and help do it here with Arsenal.
“The atmosphere that the supporters create at the Emirates stadium is incredible and I can’t wait to have that behind me now.”
Play as if no one looked at. Because everyone is. pic.twitter.com/354rlly7tj
– Arsenal Women (@Arsenalwfc) July 17, 2025
Head coach Renee Slegers was delighted to have the Canadian on board, adding: “Olivia is an exciting young player and we think that she can make a great contribution here to Arsenal. We were impressed by his mentality and character, excelling in two European leagues at such a young age.
“I know that she has a level of ambition that corresponds to ours and we are impatient to work with her when she continues to grow at the club.”
Smith likes the quick climb to the top
Smith went through the American university system and made its international debut at only 15 years old.
She did not become a professional until she joined Sporting in July 2023, scoring 16 goals in 28 appearances in her only season in Portugal.
His ascending trajectory continued in Liverpool by being named the club player of the season.
The costs beat the previous Chelsea file
Smith’s signature by Arsenal broke the previous record for a player, established by Chelsea when they acquired the American defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for £ 900,000 in January.
The director of women’s football of the Gunners, Clare Wheatley, said: “We are delighted to bring Olivia to Arsenal. She is one of the most talented young players in the game and has enormous development potential here at the club.
“On behalf of everyone in Arsenal, I would like to welcome Olivia to Arsenal and congratulate her for this special moment.”
