In 2018, when women’s professional football was still very much in its infancy in Mexico following the creation of the Liga MX Femenil a year earlier, a group of young women achieved the unthinkable by running out at a World Cup final. Their names hogged the headlines and televisions flickered on during office hours to follow the team’s progress. Although they may have fallen at the final hurdle, their legacy lives on in the players who are now keeping their story alive on pitches across the country.
Captain Nicole Perez, the heartbeat of the Mexican team at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay™, earned the adidas Silver Ball as one of the competition’s standout performers, second only to Spain’s Claudia Pina. Speaking with FIFA, nearly seven years after she and her team-mates broke new ground and with the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025™ just around the corner, the Rayadas de Monterrey midfielder eagerly recounted her memories.
With the benefit of hindsight, the Guadalajara-born schemer understands what that achievement meant in the context of her career. “I was overwhelmed with so many emotions and, to be honest, at that age, you struggle to handle them. Looking back, I think I could have enjoyed it more than I did. Even though we came up short in terms of achieving our goal as a team, each and every one of us delivered as individuals. We set ourselves a target and went toe-to-toe with some top teams. I often say to my dad, ‘I wish I’d appreciated it more at the time,’ but I now look back on it fondly.”
The Mexicans emerged unbeaten from their Group B encounters with Brazil, Japan and South Africa, with two draws and a valiant victory over the Seleção to show for their efforts. The North Americans then surpassed all of their predecessors by progressing beyond the last eight after squeezing past Ghana on penalties.
“I think that was when we truly realised just what we were capable of,” recounted Perez, in reference to her favourite moment of the tournament. “I remember that I was playing in a defensive midfield role alongside Silvana [Flores] and during one passage of play, I turned to her and said, ‘I’m done for.’ There were five minutes left and she told me, ‘No, Nicki, we’re almost there. Hang on in there’.”
Perez shone particularly brightly in that contest. She converted from the spot to draw her team level before her sweetly struck free-kick forced extra-time. She then kept her nerve to slot home her effort in the penalty shootout, in which goalkeeper Jaidy Gutierrez emerged as the hero of the hour by twice denying the Ghanaians to steer her country into the final four. The Mexicans had secured the elusive semi-final spot, but they weren’t done just yet.
“I still hold onto that instant of maybe ten or 15 seconds, when we were all in a little huddle, screaming at each other, full of nerves, excitement, happiness – a whole mix of everything all at once. That’s the enduring memory,” she said, as the emotions of the moment came flooding back.
That cohort of Mexican marvels were clearly made to rewrite the history books, and they were at it again in the all-Concacaf semi-final showdown against Canada, with Mexico making more waves as they prevailed courtesy of Perez’s penalty. Although the woodwork twice denied them from extending their advantage, El Tricolor had done enough to book a place in the showpiece against the formidable Spain.
Despite only leading 2-1 at half-time, the European heavyweights had already stamped their authority on proceedings, and no further goals were forthcoming as La Rojita clinched their maiden title on the global stage. “We were disappointed at the time because we had hoped for a different outcome. But, after a few days, we could all truly take stock of what we’d done as a national team. We returned home to Mexico and received our share of acclaim, and I think that’s when our achievement really sank in,” recalled Perez.
Regardless of the result, Perez and company proved exactly what could be accomplished. “I think it was a watershed moment in women’s football. Above all, it was a statement of intent to Mexican society. We made sure people knew who we were. We were trying to develop, not just as individual players, but also as a league and just look at the women’s game now!”
Reflecting on the ingredients that played their part in getting her side to the showpiece match, Perez explains: “I think we were all on the same wavelength. Spending almost two months together certainly helped. We got to know one another, we lived together and took part in various activities. Some of the girls didn’t even speak Spanish, so all of that help us.”
She was keen not to let the opportunity pass without crediting the team’s coach: “I’ve always said that Monica Vergara played a fundamental role. I admire her so much. She knew how to handle the group, and she was a huge help to us. Her door was always open to everyone.”
Today, the landscape in Mexican women’s football has changed dramatically, and Perez, who is now 24 years old, has three titles under her belt with Rayadas, one of the country’s most decorated clubs. The majority of top-flight teams now play at the same stadiums as their male counterparts. Matches have attracted record-breaking crowds, while up-and-coming talents continue to break through and seasoned players from across the globe have checked in. “I think the visibility given to the sport by the clubs and the Mexican Football Association have been key. People understand that the women’s game is unique and special. It’s a whole different vibe,” emphasised Perez, who is one amongst a host of the 2018 vintage who are now contributing to the growth of the professional league.
The attack-minded midfielder has earned senior national-team caps under Pedro Lopez, who is seeking to lead his team out at FIFA’s flagship women’s tournament. “I set personal targets every season. There are so many dreams I want to pursue. More than anything, I dream of competing on the global stage again, but for the senior national team. It’s what keeps me going every single day. More than lining up at the World Cup itself, what motivates me is the whole journey. I like to savour every moment and try to make the most of every situation, good or bad.”
Perez shares a dressing room for both club and country with rising stars for whom similar experiences beckon. She has some wise words for them: “I want to make sure that they know that there’s still so much to learn, to experience and to enjoy. I always like to be there for them, both when things are going well and badly, but I also want to remind them that they must enjoy themselves. They should make the most of this period, in which women’s football is booming.”
