India, July 18 -- Canadian forward Olivia Smith grabbed global headlines by becoming the most expensive female footballer ever. She was signed by Arsenal from Liverpool for a world-record transfer fee of £1 million, which is approximately Rs.11.3 crore (USD 1.34 million).

The 20-year-old smashed the previous transfer record in the women's game, overtaking the £900,000 ( Rs.10.2 crore) that Chelsea paid for American star Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave earlier this year.

Clare Wheatley, Arsenal's director of women's football, praised the young star's potential, saying: "She's one of the most talented young players in the game and has huge potential for further development here at the club."

Still, the women's game remains far ...