-
FIFA Report: Global Transfer Spending Hits Nearly $10 Billion, Women’s Game Breaks Records
The just-concluded summer transfer window shattered records, with football clubs worldwide spending close to $10 billion on international deals, according to a new report by FIFA.
Between June and September, more than 12,000 international transfers were completed, driving overall spending to $9.76 billion — a staggering 50% increase from the same period in 2024.
The women’s game also witnessed historic growth, registering over 1,100 international transfers with combined fees surpassing $12 million.
A landmark move came when Lizbeth Ovalle joined Orlando Pride from Tigres Femenil for $1.5 million, making the Mexican winger the most expensive signing in women’s football history.
FIFA’s Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Emilio Garcia Silvero, described the surge as a sign of football’s rapid evolution:
“We have observed a transfer market in full swing both in men’s and women’s football. While this is a relevant development in men’s football a year ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the increasing figures in women’s football transfers are equally remarkable as they confirm the exponential growth of the women’s game at club level.”
Global transfer market hits new all-time highs in 2025 mid-year window
Men’s football spending reaches USD 9.76 billion, a new all-time high (an increase of more than 50% v. mid-2024)
Women’s football transfer fees climb to USD 12.3 million, also the highest ever (an increase… pic.twitter.com/NdpC6hZNDO
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) September 3, 2025
England’s Premier League once again dominated the market, splashing more than $3 billion on new signings. German clubs reaped the most benefit, pocketing $893 million from English buyers. The standout deal was Florian Wirtz’s record-breaking switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, worth around £116 million ($156.7m) including add-ons.
Liverpool also secured Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, while Newcastle United signed Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart in a club-record £69 million transfer.
Germany ranked second in overall spending with $980 million, followed by Italy at $950 million. On the player movement side, England registered the highest number of arrivals (535), with Portugal (479) and Brazil (425) completing the top three.