Paraguay sensation Claudia Martinez has joined the Washington Spirit for £700,000, entering the top ten for record signings in women’s football.
The fee surpasses that of the most expensive signing in the WSL this month, which was Sam Coffey’s £650,000 move from Portland Thorns to Manchester City.
Washington Spirit sign Claudia Martinez
Claudia Martinez, who turned 18 earlier this month, joins the Washington Spirit from Club Olimpia in Paraguay.
She was linked with a potential world record move to the Spirit, as her release clause reportedly stood at £1.5 million.
However, the reported fee for the striker is £700,000. She becomes the first ever player from Paraguay to play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Speaking to the club’s website, she said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity Washington Spirit is giving me at this new stage of my career. I’m very happy to be joining such a respected institution in women’s soccer at a global level.”
General manager Nathan Minion added: “For someone so early in her career, Claudia has a lot of great experience and the potential to develop into a top player. Her qualities in the attack make her a great fit for the Spirit and we look forward to welcoming her to DC.”
It has been a productive month for the Spirit who also tied Trinity Rodman to a new contract, making her the highest-paid player in women’s football.
From Paraguay to DC 👏
Welcome to DC, Claudia 💛 pic.twitter.com/vTTOtP5h3V
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) January 26, 2026
Who is Claudia Martinez?
Martinez netted 10 goals across 25 club appearances over the past two seasons for Club Olimpia. In both seasons, she helped her side to a top-two finish in the league.
She had joined Club Olimpia as a 16-year-old in January 2024 from Sportivo Ameliano.
Martinez has already established herself with Paraguay’s senior team, scoring eight goals in nine appearances.
She finished as the joint-top scorer of the 2025 Copa America Femenina, alongside Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres with six goals.
During the tournament, she netted a hat-trick against Bolivia, before also scoring in games against Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela.
She became the youngest player in history to score multiple goals in the Copa America Femenina, beating the record previously held by Venezuela and Portland Thorns forward Deyna Castellanos.
Top 10 signings in women’s football history
Martinez enters the top 10 at number eight for the most expensive signings in women’s football history.
This pushes out Barbra Banda’s move to Orlando Pride, for £582,000, out of the top 10.
- Lizbeth Ovalle to Orlando Pride for £1.1m
- Alyssa Thompson to Chelsea for £1m
- Olivia Smith to Arsenal for £1m
- Grace Geyoro to London City Lionesses for £1m
- Naomi Girma to Chelsea for £883,000
- Tarciane to Lyon for £797,000
- Keira Walsh to Chelsea for £714,000
- Claudia Martinez to Washington Spirit for £700,000
- Rachael Kundanji to Madrid CFF for £685,000
- Sam Coffey to Manchester City for £650,000
