Mexican football has a new reason to celebrate, and this time, it’s not just about making the headlines. Charlyn Corral has won the Gerd Müller Trophy as Women’s Striker of the Year at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, capping off a sensational season in which she scored 53 goals for club and country.
The Pachuca star took home the award after a remarkable campaign, scoring 49 goals in 49 appearances for Las Tuzas. Yes, one goal per game. Not a bad way to introduce yourself to the rest of the football world.
Corral becomes the first Mexican player to win the award, which is presented by France Football. And since the women’s category makes its debut in 2026, she is also its inaugural winner. First edition, first Mexican champion. Not exactly a bad start.
Corral shared the stage with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who won the men’s Gerd Müller Trophy. Two prolific goalscorers, one stage, and plenty of goals between them.
“I’m very happy to be here. Being the first Mexican woman to win this recognition fills me with pride because I know that things are being done really well in women’s football in my country,” Corral said during the ceremony.
She also highlighted América’s Scarlett Camberos, who was nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
“When you do things with your heart, it’s all worth it,” Corral added in her acceptance speech.
And after a season like that, it’s difficult to argue with her.
MEXICAN FOOTBALL MAKES ITS MARK AT THE BALLON D’OR
Corral was not the only Mexican name on the shortlist in London.
América forward Scarlett Camberos finished 21st out of 30 nominees for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, while Julián Quiñones, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah, placed 28th in the men’s rankings.
Quiñones also made history as the first player to finish in the Ballon d’Or’s top 30 without having played in Europe. Not bad for someone who has taken a rather different route to football’s biggest individual awards.
América Femenil was also nominated for Women’s Club of the Year, adding another Mexican connection to a ceremony that ultimately belonged to Corral.
WHO IS CHARLYN CORRAL?
Corral is no newcomer to the goalscoring business. The Mexican forward has spent years building a reputation as one of the most prolific players in women’s football, both at home and abroad.
A SUCCESSFUL SPELL IN EUROPE
Corral made her mark in Spain with Levante, where she won the Pichichi Trophy in the 2017-18 season after scoring 24 goals. That campaign established her as one of the most dangerous forwards in Spanish football.
She later joined Atlético de Madrid, continuing her European adventure before eventually returning to Mexico to play for Pachuca.
Since joining Las Tuzas, she has continued to pile up goals and individual accolades. Apparently, changing countries was never going to change one thing: Corral knows where the goal is.
A TROPHY CABINET THAT KEEPS GROWING
Among her career highlights are:
- 2018 Pichichi Trophy: Spain’s top scorer in the 2017-18 season.
- Multiple Liga MX Femenil Golden Boot awards: Consistently among Mexico’s most prolific forwards.
- Liga MX Ballon d’Or honors: Recognition for her outstanding performances in Mexican football.
- Clausura 2025 champion: Part of Pachuca’s title-winning side.
- 2026 Gerd Müller Trophy: Women’s Striker of the Year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
A MEXICAN INTERNATIONAL SINCE HER TEENS
Corral has also represented Mexico at international level since a remarkably young age, making her senior debut at just 13. She has gone on to feature in major international competitions, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Now, she has added another milestone to her career: becoming the first Mexican woman to win the Gerd Müller Trophy.
For Pachuca, it is recognition of a star who has delivered goals season after season. For Mexican football, it is a moment worth celebrating.
And for every defender who had to face Corral this season? Well, they probably knew this was coming long before the ceremony in London.
Alejandro Orellana is an accomplished sports journalist based in Mexico City, known for his incisive coverage of Club América and the Mexican National Team. A graduate of Journalism from Escuela de Periodismo Carlos Septien García, Alejandro brings a deep understanding of sports media to his work. His expertise extends to SEO and content creation, allowing him to produce engaging and discoverable sports narratives. He has contributed as a freelance writer for Goal.com, where he notably conducted interviews with MLS players, further showcasing his comprehensive interviewing skills. Prior to this, Alejandro dedicated five years to ESPN’s production department, contributing to renowned shows including SportsCenter, Futbol Picante, and NFL Live. His insightful articles can be found on platforms such as Deportrece and Hooligan Soccer. Connect with Alejandro on @soyalexorellana and Tik Tok to stay updated with his latest work. His commitment to journalistic integrity ensures every piece offers valuable and trustworthy insights for sports enthusiasts.
