Five facts about Arsenal's record-breaking signing Olivia Smith

Arsenal have signed striker Olivia Smith from WSL rivals Liverpool in a world-record deal.

The £1,000,000 fee makes the 20-year-old the most expensive women's footballer in history.

Smith said it was a "a privilege and an honour" to sign for the north London club, and that she was "excited to get started."

But who is Olivia Smith? Here are five facts about her you may not know.

1. Smith is Canada's youngest footballer to play for women's team

Smith was born and raised in the Canadian province of Ontario.

In 2018, she made her international debut for the Canadian under-15 team at the CONCACAF Girls' Under-15 Championship.

A year later, in 2019, Smith became the youngest player to feature for Canada's senior national team at the age of 15 years and 94 days.

Smith has played 18 times for Canada, scoring four goals and was part of their World Cup squad in 2023.

2. She signed her first professional contract in 2023

Smith signed her first professional contract with Portuguese team Sporting CP in 2023.

And what a first season she had with the club.

The then 18-year-old scored and assisted on her league debut.

Her talent and hard work meant that she was voted Player of the Year and Young Player of the Season in Liga BPI, Portugal's top-tier women's league, with 13 goals in 18 appearances.

3. She joined the WSL last season

Olivia joined Liverpool from Portuguese side Sporting last summer and has enjoyed a successful first season with the north-west side.

She was signed for a club-record fee of just over £200,000 in July 2024 from the Portuguese club and still has two years left on her contract.

Smith has been one of the team's standout players and scored seven times in 20 WSL appearances in her debut season.

4. She's become the first £1million women's footballer

The £1,000,000 deal make Smith the most expensive women's footballer in history.

And also makes the 20-year-old the first £1million footballer in the women's game.

It smashes the previous world record of around £900,000 set in January this year by Chelsea for defender Naomi Girma.

5. She's one of a number of new summer signings at Arsenal

Arsenal won the Women's Champions League in May and have been looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new WSL season.

Smith isn't alone in signing for the club during the current transfer window.

The north London club have also added Lionesses Chloe Kelly to their ranks on a free transfer from Manchester City.

And former Liverpool left-back Taylor Hinds has also joined the team this summer.