Felicia Schroeder has become the most expensive transfer in women’s football history after joining Real Madrid. The 19-year-old Sweden international, who scored 91 goals in 128 games for BK Hacken, arrives in Spain on a four-year deal. For England, the record fee is a wake-up call: as the European market surges, the Women’s Super League and the Lionesses face stiffer competition for both talent and tournament glory heading towards 2026.
A Record Fee That Resets the Women’s Market
BK Hacken say Felicia Schroeder has become “the most expensive transfer ever in women’s football”. The deal eclipses the record set last summer by Lizbeth Ovalle, the Mexico winger who moved from Tigres UANL to Orlando Pride in a deal worth $1.5m (£1.1m). In just a few months, the financial ceiling of the women’s game has been broken again, underlining how fast the sport’s economy is growing.
At just 19, Schroeder arrives with a remarkable record: 91 goals in 128 appearances for the Swedish club, including 30 goals in the 2025 campaign when BK Hacken were crowned champions of the Damallsvenskan, Sweden’s top flight. Real Madrid are betting on the upside of a precocious international rather than a player at her peak.
What It Means for England and the WSL
For England, Real Madrid’s record splurge is a reminder that the WSL no longer holds an uncontested edge in attracting Europe’s brightest talents. As Spanish clubs spend big, English sides must match that ambition to keep developing and retaining the calibre of player the Lionesses rely on ahead of 2026. The transfer market is now a genuine battleground between leagues.
Sweden, Schroeder’s national team, are also among the sides England could meet in a major tournament. A 19-year-old striker this prolific is a defensive problem to plan for early. Tracking her debut season at Real Madrid will show whether her finishing translates to the highest level — and whether England’s defenders should be taking notes already.
FAQ
Who is Felicia Schroeder?
Felicia Schroeder is a 19-year-old Sweden international forward who scored 91 goals in 128 games for BK Hacken before signing for Real Madrid.
Why is this transfer a record?
According to her former club BK Hacken, it is the most expensive transfer in women’s football history, surpassing the previous record set by Lizbeth Ovalle ($1.5m).
How long is her Real Madrid contract?
Felicia Schroeder has signed a four-year deal with Real Madrid.
What does it mean for England and the WSL?
It shows Spanish clubs are spending big on young talent, increasing competition for the WSL and raising the level England’s Lionesses must contend with ahead of 2026.
What was her 2025 season like?
In the 2025 season, Felicia Schroeder scored 30 goals and helped BK Hacken win the Damallsvenskan title.
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