In a move that signals a seismic shift for Paraguayan women’s football, Claudia Martínez is reportedly set to join National Women’s Soccer League side Washington Spirit. The transfer marks one of the most significant financial transactions in the history of the women’s game.
At just 18 years of age, Martínez arrives in the United States with a burgeoning reputation as a “goal-scoring machine.” Hailing from Capitán Bado, she transitioned from futsal to the professional grass game only a few years ago. Martínez quickly rising through the ranks at Sportivo Ameliano before joining Olimpia. Her meteoric ascent was ignited during the 2025 season, where she finished as the top scorer at the Under-17 South American Championship with ten goals, leading Paraguay to their first-ever title in that category.
2025 Women’s Copa América top scorer
Her success translated seamlessly to the senior international stage during the 2025 Women’s Copa América in Ecuador. Martínez netted six goals in just five matches, finishing as the tournament’s joint-top scorer.
She became the youngest player in recent history to score a brace at the competition. This prolific form helped Paraguay secure qualification for the Lima 2027 Pan American Games, and established her as the definitive face of the national team’s bright future. Now her future is with the Washington Spirit in the NWSL.
The financial breakdown of the Washington Spirit deal
The deal is structured to navigate the complex financial regulations of the American league. The contract is also ensuring a substantial windfall for her current club, Olimpia.
- The transfer is valued at US$950,000 for 70% of her rights.
- Olimpia will retain a 30% stake in the player, potentially leading to further profit if she moves to a European giant in the future.
- Due to the NWSL transfer cap of US$605,000, the fee will be paid in two instalments: the first in January 2026 and the second in January 2027.
Why Washington Spirit?
Under the ownership of Michele Kang, the Washington Spirit have become synonymous with high-level investment and global scouting. By securing Martínez, the Spirit are adding elite attacking flair to a squad already teeming with international talent.
For Martínez, the move represents the ultimate platform to showcase her skills in arguably the most competitive league in the world.
Regarding the NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is the premier professional women’s football league in the United States. The league is the highest tier of the sport in the country. Established in 2012 and beginning play in 2013, it succeeded two previous professional leagues, making it the most enduring and commercially successful top-flight women’s division in American history.
The league operates on a closed system without promotion or relegation. Apart from the Washington Spirit, the league counts on 15 other teams for the 2026 season. Additionally, the NWSL is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and physically demanding globally.
“Any given Sunday” unpredictability
Unlike many European leagues that are often dominated by one or two powerhouse clubs, the NWSL is celebrated for its parity and “any given Sunday” unpredictability. This competitive balance is maintained through mechanisms like a college draft and salary caps. This structure is ensuring that even newer expansion teams can quickly challenge for silverware.
In recent years, the league has experienced a massive surge in popularity, characterised by record-breaking stadium attendances. Furthermore, it gave the league lucrative new broadcasting deals. Additionally, significant investment from high-profile owners across the worlds of film, tech, and sport made the league more popular.
