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Women’s football should encourage others to believe in themselves, pursue their goals, and challenge societal limitations. We’ve been recognising global players and their teams this FIFA season to highlight the positive impact that the sport can have on self-confidence, leadership skills, teamwork and personal growth.

Reaching the halfway point in our focus on 6 international women’s football players from sporting history, we’ve celebrated the achievements of first female pro-British Asian player in the UK Permi Jhooti and Jane Törnqvist, who played for the Sweden women’s national team. In this post we turn to former Mexican women’s football player Maribel Domínguez, also known as “Marigol”, who has made significant contributions and achieved numerous accolades throughout her career.

A record-making career

Playing internationally for Mexico, Spain and the United States, Domínguez’s professional football career is marked by its longevity and success. Looking back, she represented the Mexican national team for more than two decades, becoming something of a sporting folk hero with her impressive track record and longevity on the pitch.

As one of the most capped players in the history of women’s football in Mexico, she set an impressive benchmark for others to follow with 116 games played and 82 goals scored. Rather brilliantly, she holds the record for the most goals scored by any Mexican international player, outrunning even those among the men’s squad.

Key to her winning streak? Success and prowess as a striker who had the ability to consistently hit the back of the net.ÌýIt’s no wonder then that she’s known internationally as ‘Marigol’ for her record-making goals and matches across the board.

International appearances

Domínguez participated in significant FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments and Olympic Games from recent sport’s history. She represented Mexico in a trio of World Cup games, taking to the global stage in the 1999, 2011 and 2015 editions respectively. Her performance in the early days clearly left an impression as she was ranked in FIFA’s top 25 women players in the world in 2004.

The Mexican player competed against top international teams and showcased her talent in two major Olympic games, appearing in the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics. In the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Athens, Domínguez was notably the top scorer, elevating the Mexico national team with an impressive nine goals.

It was during the 2004 Olympics in Athens that she went on to lead the team to the quarter-finals. This must have caught the eye of the FIFA panel as she was nominated for the FIFA Player of the Year in addition to her 2004 top 25 placement.

Representing Mexico globally

Domínguez scored for Mexico in the World Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup, Pan American Games and Olympic Games — and she’s the only national player to have reached all of these prestigious events in the football calendar.

In addition to playing for her country, Domínguez also took her talents internationally when she was the first Mexico-born player to be signed for a team in the Women’s United Soccer Association in 2003. This division is the top in the United States, making it no mean feat to have climbed the ranks.ÌýWhile playing as a forward for the Atlanta Beat, Domínguez maintained her status as a top scorer in the league.

Although she was denied playing for the men’s team in Mexico by FIFA, she did play for a whole host of teams around the world: UAEH Panteras, San Diego Sunwaves, Chicago Red Stars, UE L’Estartit and FC Barcelona to name a few.

Inspiration at home and away

Domínguez was born the youngest of ten children in Mexico City and she grew up in the rural suburbs. While her father did not approve of her playing football with her brothers, Domínguez found ways to practice and improve her skills, fooling others into believing that she was a boy. Challenging gender norms, her ability to “play like a man” merely reinforced how proficient a player she was.

What followed was a domestic success story: both as a captain and leading scorer of the Mexico women’s national football team. The league titles and domestic cups acquired throughout her career consolidate her as an inspirational figure with a lasting legacy.

Through her achievements and dedication to the sport, Domínguez continues to inspire young female footballers in Mexico and beyond.

What can we learn from Maribel Domínguez?

Domínguez’s story is particularly inspiring because it transcends borders and challenges traditional gender norms. Growing up in Mexico City, she faced resistance from her father, who did not initially approve of her playing football with her brothers. Despite the obstacles, Domínguez’s determination and talent propelled her forward. She proved that her abilities were not confined by societal expectations and demonstrated that she could excel in a male-dominated sport.

Maribel Domínguez’s contribution to women’s football, both on and off the field, has helped elevate the sport’s status in Mexico. Her goal-scoring abilities, longevity, and achievements have solidified her place as one of the most influential and celebrated figures in Mexican women’s football history.

Domínguez’s story is the third in a series of six blog posts spotlighting global individuals from women’s football history. As we celebrate the pioneers of women’s football from around the world, let us remember the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and the global reach of the sport. By honouring the achievements of individuals like Permi Jhooti, Jane Törnqvist and Maribel Domínguez, we recognise the rich talent and passion that exists within women’s football worldwide, emphasising its significance during the FIFA season and beyond. Discover the visual history of FIFA women’s football here.Ìý