England led the global women’s football transfer market in 2025, as worldwide spending reached a record £20.7m ($28.6m), according to a report published by FIFA.
As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, the figure represents an 83.6% increase from 2024 and underlines the rapid financial growth of the women’s professional game.
England accounted for the biggest share of spending, with clubs paying out £7.9m ($11m) in transfer fees, while generating £1.5m ($2.1m) through player sales.
The United States was the second-highest spender, with £5.8m ($7.9m).
FIFA reported a rise in international player movement, with 2,440 cross-border transfers completed in 2025 — up 6.3% on the previous year.
The governing body noted that the figures do not include transfers between clubs in the same domestic league, meaning overall spending is likely to be considerably higher.
The number of clubs involved in paid transfers also reached new highs.
In total, 135 clubs paid fees for incoming players, while 155 clubs received money for at least one outgoing transfer, reflecting the widening financial base of the women’s game.
The year’s standout deal was Grace Geyoro’s move from Paris St-Germain to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses in September, reported to be worth a world-record £1.4m ($1.9m).
Chelsea were also prominent, involved in two of the five most expensive transfers after signing defender Naomi Girma and forward Alyssa Thompson.
Record spending was also seen in the men’s professional game, where £9.5bn ($13.08bn) was spent on transfer fees globally — a 52.3% rise from 2024.
England again topped the table, with Premier League clubs spending £2.7bn ($3.8bn), including the two most expensive deals completed by Liverpool.
