Olivia Smith's Journey to Becoming a Record-Breaking Footballer

Olivia Smith, now 22, has gained recognition in women's football since she was 15, culminating in her record transfer to Arsenal for £1m from Liverpool last year.

Before this milestone, she had joined Liverpool for £210,000 just a year earlier and made her Canada debut at 15. Smith also became the first woman to score for Liverpool at Anfield during a Women's Super League match in October 2025.

Smith's football journey began in Whitby, Canada, where her father, Sean, encouraged her passion for the sport. She played with boys until age 12 and later faced bullying, which led her to take up taekwondo and gymnastics, activities that contributed to her agility and discipline. Her father meticulously tracked her progress, documenting her goals and performance. Now, as she embarks on her second season with Arsenal, Smith reflects on her aspirations, including winning the Ballon d'Or and the World Cup, which she has pursued since childhood.