Women's World Cup (1970-10-19)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Battling against paradigms
"A sport unsuitable for women," declared the English Football Association in 1921, banning women from professional participation in the sport. However, women around the world never stopped playing.
Women's World Cup (1970-10-19)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
First Women's World Cup
In 1970, the First Women's World Cup was held in Italy, featuring seven teams: England, Denmark, Mexico, Austria, Switzerland, West Germany, and the host country. Denmark emerged as the champion, while Mexico achieved third place.
Match between Mexico and England (1971-07-15)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexican legend
Mexican soccer player Alicia Vargas earned the nickname 'La Pelé' due to her ability to drive the ball to the opposing goal. In the 1970 Women's World Cup in Italy, she stood out as the top scorer, leaving her mark in the history of women's soccer.
Montesina School women's team (1971)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Fighting for their dreams
The path of women's soccer in Mexico has not been easy, facing obstacles, stereotypes, indifference, and lack of support. Women like Alicia Vargas have set a crucial precedent in the professionalization of women's soccer in the country.
Women's World Cup (1971-08-15)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Hosts
The second edition of the Women's World Cup was held in Mexico. The exciting opening match took place on August 15, 1971 between Mexico and Argentina.
Argentina national team (1970)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A spectacular tournament
Despite comments like those from 'El Informativo' newspaper in Guadalajara, stating that during the World Cup "there was everything, even soccer," the participating teams demonstrated throughout the tournament that soccer was indeed a sport suitable for women.
Match between Argentina and Denmark (1971-08-28)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
National pride
The captain of the Mexican national team, Irma Chávez, from Nicolás Romero municipality, State of Mexico, was a pioneer in national soccer. Under her leadership, the Mexican team reached the finals and was runner-up in the tournament.
Title match
"A round of applause is worth more than two million pesos." The Mexican women almost didn't play the final against Denmark due to an economic dilemma. The proceeds from ticket sales were allocated to them, and the match was advertised as free for spectators.
Match between Argentina and Denmark (1971-08-28)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Proving their ability
"We started a path, and brave women must follow it […] They told us soccer wasn't made for women, but we proved them wrong."
World Cup Inauguration Mexico 70 (1970-05-31)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A dream championship
The 1971 runner-up title resonated with thousands of girls, fueling their dream of one day having a national league where they could show that women's soccer could also fill stadiums.
Invasion on the Stadium Field (1965)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Dream fulfilled
After nearly three decades, in 2003, the National Women's Soccer Club League was established thanks to the support of managers and coaches. In 2007, the league underwent restructuring with the backing of the Mexican Soccer Federation.
Azteca Stadium tribunes (1970-06)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A consolidated league
The Mexican Women's League was officially created on December 5, 2006 as part of initiatives led by Enrique Bonilla, then president of the Mexican Soccer Federation. "Women's soccer had gone from being played in secret to filling stadiums."
Champions
Since its creation in 2006, the Liga MX Femenil (Mexican Women's League) has produced a legacy of five championships for Tigres, two for Chivas, two for Monterrey, and one for America. Women prove daily that soccer belongs to them too, and the fans recognize it.
Vendors outside the Azteca Stadium (1970)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Legends of the Mexican dream
Soccer players like Alicia Cervantes, Allison González, Katy Martínez, Charlyn Corral, Desirée Monsiváis, and Stephany Mayor, among other prominent players, have made their mark on the field, following in their predecessors' footsteps by writing their names in the history of women's soccer.
Women's World Cup (1971-08-15)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Women's soccer in Mexico:
Despite obstacles and stereotypes, women have fought for their place in the sport, demonstrating their talent and leaving an indelible mark on the history of Mexican soccer.
This story was created with information and images from the archive of Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México.
