Zambian women’s football sensation Racheal Kundananji has made history by breaking the world transfer record with her groundbreaking move to the United States National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to join Bay FC. The 23-year-old forward’s transfer from Real Madrid CFF to Bay FC in California is valued at an unprecedented $860,000 (£685,000), setting a new benchmark in women’s football transfers.
This historic transfer marks the first time an African player, male or female, has broken the world transfer record. Kundananji’s move not only cements her position as the most expensive player in the history of women’s football but also shines a spotlight on the growing recognition and investment in female athletes. Her four-year deal with Bay FC, set to run until 2027, underscores the club’s confidence in her exceptional talent and potential to make a significant impact in the NWSL.
Kundananji’s journey to this record-breaking transfer is a testament to her remarkable talent and hard work. She first gained widespread attention in 2018 with Ideni Roses in Zambia’s Copperbelt Women’s League, where she scored 21 goals in 18 matches, leading the team to clinch the league title. Her impressive performance paved the way for her professional career with BIIK Kazygurt in Kazakhstan in 2019.
Her move to Bay FC comes after a stellar season with Madrid CFF in the Spanish La Liga F, where she became one of the league’s standout stars. During the 2022/23 season, Kundananji scored 25 goals in 29 games and contributed three assists, playing a crucial role in Madrid’s fifth-place finish. Her scoring prowess continued into the 2023/24 season, where she netted eight goals and provided four assists in 14 matches.
Kundananji’s explosive talent and keen eye for goal have not gone unnoticed. Bay FC, recognizing her potential, made a decisive move to bring her into the fold. This transfer fee surpasses the previous record set by Keira Walsh’s £400,000 switch from Manchester City to Barcelona in 2022, further highlighting the increasing value and importance of women’s football on the global stage.
Joining Bay FC, Kundananji will be part of a team that already includes prominent players like Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala, a six-time African Female Player of the Year. This move is expected to bolster Bay FC’s attacking options and elevate the team’s performance in the highly competitive NWSL.
