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Lizbeth Ovalle’s Groundbreaking Transfer to Orlando Pride: A New Era for Women’s Soccer.

The world of women's football has rarely experienced a seismic shift quite like this: Lizbeth Ovalle , Mexico’s dazzling winger known as La Maga (“The Magician”), is set to gotten to be the foremost costly player within the history of the women's amusement. Her transfer from Tigres UANL Femenil to the Orlando Pride for a world-record $1.5 million stands as a defining moment—one that reverberates through not only North America, but the global sport. This move is much more than a numbers game; it is a statement of intent, ambition, and belief in the women’s game at the highest levels. Let’s explore why Ovalle’s arrival in Florida marks a new era for the NWSL , what it means for Mexican football, and how this move changes the stakes for women’s football worldwide. The Record-Shattering Move: Facts and Figures The deal, announced on August 21, 2025, shattered previous women’s transfer records by a considerable margin: Transfer Fee: $1.5 million. Contract: Through 2027, with a ...

The players who were left out of their national teams for Euro 2024.

The countries who will compete in this summer's European Championships in Germany have begun to name their initial training teams.

These squads will be further pared down, with only 26 players allowed for each country in the competition, but some high-profile players have already been left out of the larger group for their respective countries' warm-up matches.

Here are some of the most high-profile absences from countries competing in the Euros. 

England: Marcus Rashford, Ben White, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, and Jordan Henderson.

Rashford has been a constant presence in the England squad under Gareth Southgate, but after a disappointing season in which he scored only seven Premier League goals, the forward has been left out this time around.

Despite England's lack of full-backs, White misses out after a strong season at Arsenal, with Southgate claiming he is still unavailable for selection since White refused to be called up during the previous international break.

James is left out despite returning to Chelsea at the end of the season after a lengthy injury absence. His Chelsea teammate Ben Chilwell was injured at the conclusion of the season, which may explain his absence, but with a shortage of left-backs, it is strange he was not given the opportunity to establish his health as Luke Shaw has.

Both Sterling and Henderson have previously been key players for Southgate, and this summer's group appears to be a step forward rather than backwards.

Spain: Pedro Porro, Gavi 

Despite a good season at Tottenham, Porro was unexpectedly left out of the Spain team. The full-back scored seven Premier League goals last season and attracted the eye with his attacking ability, but Spain boss Luis Da La Fuente has decided against sending him to Germany.

Barcelona wonderkid Gavi is also out, having missed the whole of the season due to injury.

Italy: Ciro Immobile, Manuel Locatelli, Marco Verratti, Destiny Udogie 

It will be strange to witness an Italian squad without Lazio legend Immobile. The striker has not had his best season, scoring only seven league goals, but he has been an important member of his national squad in recent years, earning 57 caps and scoring 17 goals.

The same is true for Locatelli, who was highly impressive during Italy's recent Euros victory and has played 40 games in all competitions for Juventus this season.

Verratti was another player who played an important role in Italy's recent Euro victory, but his decision to play in Qatar appears to have cost him his international career.

Udogie, meanwhile, is out due to injury, which is a significant blow for Italy.

Germany: Leon Goretzka, Julian Brandt, Mats Hummels, Marco Reus, Karim Adeyemi, Timo Werner, Serge Gnabry 

Many people are surprised that Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has chosen to leave out Goretzka, his former Bayern Munich midfielder. Dortmund's Brandt is also missing from the roster, despite reaching the Champions League final with his club this season, scoring ten goals and assisting 16 in all competitions.

His teammates Hummels, Reus, and Adeyemi do not make the cut. Reus is poised to leave Dortmund in the summer after 12 years and failed to impress, as did Hummels despite some outstanding defensive efforts in the Champions League this season. Adeyemi's excitement may add to a game, so his absence is a tragedy for football fans.

Timo Werner, on loan from Tottenham, has also been ignored, while Bayern star Gnabry is missing due to injury.

France: Michael Olise, Malo Gusto, Jean-Clair Todibo, Christopher Nkunku, Moussa Diaby

Olise, a Crystal Palace winger, has been in explosive form since returning from injury, scoring ten goals in just 19 Premier League appearances, yet Didier Deschamps has not selected him. Neither has fellow Premier League star Gusto, despite some strong outings for Chelsea at right back.

Gusto's Chelsea teammate Nkunku has struggled with injuries this season, making it more understandable why he is not scheduled to travel to Germany. However, he regained to fitness around the end of the season and will undoubtedly be upset.

Todibo, meantime, has piqued the interest of some of Europe's top clubs following his achievements for Nice, but Deschamps has not been persuaded, and it is perhaps surprise that his spot has gone to Dayot Upamecano.

Diaby, an Aston Villa forward, also fails not make the team.

Belgium: Thibaut Courtois 

The Real Madrid shot-stopper has missed the majority of the season due to an ACL injury, but despite his recent comeback to fitness, Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco has chosen against include the experienced goalkeeper in the team.

Portugal: Matheus Nunes, Renato Sanches, Raphael Guerreiro, Pedro Goncalves 

Nunes made a large money move to Manchester City from Wolves last summer, and a lack of playing time under Pep Guardiola appears to have had a bad affect on his international career after being left out of the squad.

Sanches also misses out after a dismal loan spell at Roma this season, primarily due to injuries. Guerreiro has been in and out of the Bayern lineup recently, and he had an injury near the conclusion of the season, so his exclusion may make more sense, but Goncalves will feel extremely unlucky after scoring 18 goals and assisting 17 times in all competitions this season. 

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