image copyrightEPA
"I am very happy to be here, to be a Mexican, to be the first Mexican to receive recognition."
With those words, Charlyn Corral began her emotional speech on the stage where many soccer players dream of standing one day.
She had just been recognized at the Ballon d'Or gala as the "Goal Scorer of the Year 2026".
His first words were interrupted by the applause of the audience.
Corral became, on Monday, the first Mexican to win a trophy in that prestigious award ceremony.
The player of the Mexican national team and the Pachuca club was awarded for being "the most lethal striker on the entire football planet," says the Ballon d'Or site.
"The Mexican attacker had a simply enormous season, surpassing the most feared strikers of the European and North American giants in records," the publication continues.
World football stars attended the award ceremony organized by France Football magazine since 1956 and held in London.
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In fact, the Englishman Harry Kane, who, like Corral, was crowned the best striker of the year, closed the gala by winning the highest award.
"Standing here in front of all of you, honestly fills me with pride and a lot of satisfaction, after many goals, approximately 20 years or more of career," said Corral when receiving the award.
"I think today I realized that the work, the discipline, the effort have been worth it. I think that when you do things with a lot of faith, but above all with your heart, everything is worth it."
Strong numbers
The statistics of the 35-year-old forward, born in Ecatepec, have been impressive: 49 goals in 49 games.
This corresponds to the period considered by the French publication. However, the Pachuca Football Club makes an explanation:
"If we consider the numbers strictly from the soccer year, the Mexican forward scored 42 goals with the Tuzas del Pachuca in the two competitions she played: 40 in the BBVA Women's League (36 in the regular tournament and 4 in the final phase) and 2 goals in the Concacaf W Champions Cup, in addition to the 13 in official competitions with the Mexican Women's National Team, which led her to be the top scorer in the Concacaf Qualifiers. W".
Image source, FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images
The Ballon d'Or site also highlights that Corral, with 20 goals in 21 games, became the top scorer in the last Mexican First Division Championship.
And in the current Liga MX Femenil, she is leading the scoring table with 24 goals in 17 games.
But the recognition received in the British capital is not just about statistics, "it represents the coronation for an impeccable career."
"From Finnish football to the total elite with Atlético de Madrid, Charlyn Corral has written her name forever in the history of women's football, and this award is the perfect summary."
Tribute to his colleagues
In his speech, Corral expressed his gratitude to his club and the coaching staff.
"But above all to my colleagues, who I hope are watching me today: thank you very much for helping me get this award that belongs to all of you."
She said she feels "full of pride" because in her country "things are being done very well in women's soccer."
And he asked for a round of applause for his colleague Scarlett Camberos, a América Femenil player, who entered the list of the 30 nominees for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or.
Camberos placed 21st and the prize ended up in the hands of the Spanish Alexia Putellas.
image copyrightOscar Fuentes/Jam Media/Getty Images
Corral thanked his parents and his brother for being the foundation and support of his career.
"Thank you for sharing my crazy things, thank you for never letting me throw in the towel, but above all, thank you for giving me the strength to make a breakthrough in this sport."
"Today I realize that dreams are not only fulfilled, but surpassed."
Two years and counting
The Pachuca Football Club also celebrated the award given to Corral.
"The captain of the 'Goddesses of the Wind' is World Gold!" she points out on her website.
According to the club, the forward has been its top scorer for just over two years.
He has scored 187 in 219 games that have been played.
And everything indicates that they will continue to count goals from the "blue and white number 9".
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