Zambian female football star, Racheal Kundananji, has made history as the first female footballer to break the women’s world transfer record after she signed for US’s National Women’s Soccer League expansion side, Bay FC, for $860,000 (£685,000).
The world record transfer fee makes Kundananji the most expensive player in women’s football history, as well as being the first African— male or female— to break a transfer fee record.
The 23-year-old Zambian forward is joining the California-based side from Madrid CFF where she scored 33 goals in 43 Liga F games, in a four-year contract with the option of a further year.
Kundananji’s transfer fee breaks the previous record held by England midfielder, Keira Walsh, who transferred from Manchester City to Barcelona for £400,000 in 2022.
The deal also exceeds the £384,000 that Chelsea paid for Colombian striker Mayra Ramirez from Levante, with add-ons potentially bringing the total to £426,600.
Kundananji who spoke to journalist after sealing the deal, said:
“People in Zambia will be surprised but they will be so happy. I want to give the Bay FC fans what they want – to enjoy the games, to enjoy seeing me playing and scoring.”
Bay FC which would be making its debut in the National Women’s Soccer League, has already signed Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala and former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie, making them a force to be reckoned with in the women’s football scene.
Kundananji began her career with Zambian side Indeni Roses, before moving to BIIK Kazygurt in Kazakhstan in 2019.
She later joined Spanish top-flight side Eibar and later Madrid CFF.
She has also represented Zambia at the international level, scoring 10 goals in 18 matches.