Tanzania’s Clara Luvanga becomes world’s most expensive female footballer

Tanzania forward Clara Luvanga has become the most expensive female footballer in history after joining Washington Spirit from Al-Nassr for a reported $2.3m (£1.7m).

The 21-year-old’s move to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club surpasses the previous record of $1.5m paid for Mexico international Lizbeth Ovalle.

Luvanga’s transfer represents a landmark moment for both the player and Tanzanian football, while also highlighting the growing financial investment in the women’s game.

Washington Spirit agreed the deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, making Luvanga the first Tanzanian player to command the highest transfer fee ever recorded in women’s football.

Her record-breaking move comes at a relatively early stage of her career and reflects the rapid rise of the forward, who has already played professionally in Tanzania, Spain, Saudi Arabia and now the United States.

Luvanga takes women’s transfer record

Ovalle had previously held the women’s transfer record following her $1.5m move, but Luvanga’s $2.3m deal moves her comfortably clear at the top of the list.

Canada international Olivia Smith is third, with her transfer valued at $1.36m, while United States forward Alyssa Thompson ranks fourth after a deal worth more than $1.343m.

France midfielder Grace Geyoro is fifth at approximately $1.34m, with United States defender Naomi Girma sixth at $1.1m.

Highest women’s transfer fees

1. Clara Luvanga – $2.3m
2. Lizbeth Ovalle – $1.5m
3. Olivia Smith – $1.36m
4. Alyssa Thompson – $1.343m+
5. Grace Geyoro – approximately $1.34m
6. Naomi Girma – $1.1m

The significant gap between Luvanga’s fee and the previous record underlines the increasing value being placed on elite female footballers.

It also reflects the continued growth of women’s football, with clubs increasingly willing to invest substantial sums in both established stars and emerging talent.

A landmark moment for Tanzania

Luvanga’s achievement is particularly significant for Tanzania, which continues to see its women’s footballers make an impact on the international stage.

She began her career with Yanga Princess before moving to Spain to play for DUX Logroño.

In 2023, she joined Al-Nassr and quickly established herself as one of the leading forwards in Saudi women’s football.

Luvanga also made her senior international debut for Tanzania in 2024 and has since become an important player for the national team.

Her move to Washington Spirit is the latest step in a career that has taken her from East Africa to Europe, the Middle East and now the United States.

At only 21, the record transfer also places significant attention on Luvanga as she prepares to compete in one of the world’s leading women’s domestic leagues.

Washington Spirit move

Luvanga has signed a four-year contract with Washington Spirit, keeping her at the club through the 2029 season.

The NWSL side are hoping the Tanzania international can add further attacking quality as they push towards the end of the regular season.

She could make her debut on Sunday, 13 September, when Washington Spirit host expansion side Boston Legacy FC at Audi Field.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 13:00 local time.

For Luvanga, the move marks an extraordinary rise from playing football in Tanzania to becoming the most expensive female player in the history of the sport.

Her record transfer is also another indication of the growing global market for women’s football, with clubs prepared to make increasingly significant investments in players capable of making an impact at the highest level.