Wave FC lands Brazilian star Ludmila in deal worth up to $1 million

San Diego Wave FC is not only acquiring one of the most prolific scorers in women’s soccer, the club is spending big to make it happen.

The Wave announced Tuesday that it’s sending up to $1 million to the Chicago Stars for Brazilian forward Ludmila. The base amount is $800,000, but could include an additional $200,000 if certain undisclosed conditions are met, according to Wave FC.

The amount is second only to the $1.25 million that Gotham FC paid to sign Jaedyn Shaw – a former Wave player – from the North Carolina Courage last September. Gotham went on to win the NWSL championship with Shaw on the roster two months later.

you're gonna love @ALudmilaSilva ?‍↕️ pic.twitter.com/B6ZIBSCoV3— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) January 13, 2026

Ludmila, 31, turned pro at 16. During her long career, she has 81 goals in 185 appearances across all competitions. She had 10 goals in 24 appearances for Chicago last season, tied for fourth in the NWSL.

“She’s a player who not only brings a great deal of talent, but also complements the strengths of our existing roster,” Wave FC Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton said of the star. “Her versatility allows her to operate in multiple attacking roles, giving our coaches more tactical options in different game situations.

“Her creativity and movement will enhance our ability to break down defenses,” she added.

Coincidentally, her first-ever NWSL goal came against Wave FC during a September 2024 match that Chicago won 1-0. Ludmila, whose Wave contract will be for three years, recalled that moment in a statement released by the club.

“I scored my first NWSL goal against San Diego and (it) always was a team I admired. I loved the supporters, the energy of the team, and the vibes of the city when I visited. I’m very happy to be part of this club’s history,” Ludmila said, adding, “I didn’t come here just to play. I came to give my best and fight to win trophies.”

During her 18-month stint with Chicago, Ludmila registered 13 goals and added one assist through 31 appearances. In the 2025 season, she set an NWSL record for the fastest-ever hat trick, scoring three goals in just over 10 minutes during an August match.

Her five goals during matches last August earned Ludmila her first three league honors, including Goal of the Week, August Best XI and Player of the Month.

She also has been a member of the Brazilian national team since 2017 and helped her country capture silver at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, coming in second to the U.S.

Despite Ludmila’s scoring prowess, Chicago was the worst team in the league last season, finishing with just three wins, along with 11 draws and 12 loses. The lowlight came Oct. 18 when the club lost 6-1 to Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium behind a brace by Brazilian forward Dudinha.

San Diego’s move to acquire a star veteran is a bit of a surprise considering that the Wave had been engaging in a rebuild during the offseason, parting with established vets while bringing in a number of collegiate players.

Over the past few weeks, San Diego parted ways with goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, midfielder Savannah McCaskill and defender Hanna Lundkvist, all of whom were starters who played significant minutes on last season’s team.

In turn, the team has signed goalkeeper Leah Freeman, who was a rookie with Bay FC last season; midfielder Lia Godfrey out of the University of Virginia, and defender Mimi Van Zanten from Florida State.

The team has also re-signed young talent like midfielder Melanie Barcenas, an 18-year-old San Diego native, and defenders Nya Harrison, 23 and Kennedy Wesley, 24, to new contracts.