Claudia Martinez is a quick learner. She only started playing 11-a-side football less than three years ago and has already become the figurehead of a generation that will represent La Albirroja at the U-17 Women’s World Cup™ in Morocco, in addition to being a regular call-up for the senior national team.
The Club Olimpia striker scored ten goals in the South American U-17 Championship, securing not only qualification for the U-17 Women’s World Cup, but also winning the silverware for the first time in the country’s history. Martinez was instrumental in every match, but crucially so in the final when her last-minute goal against Ecuador clinched the victory for Luiz Guilherme Almeida’s side.
Martinez’s talent is undeniable and it comes as little surprise that she was selected as a key player for La Albirroja in the 2025 Copa America Femenina, which was won by Brazil. Together with Amanda, from La Verdeamarela, she topped the scoring charts in that tournament with six goals.
A speedy striker gifted with a powerful shot and a keen eye for goal, she has emerged as one of the top talents in women’s football. Martinez is on a high and dreaming big. She hopes to win the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, play in Europe and support her family.
Claudia Martinez: The opportunity presented itself, and I took it with both hands. I look at all parts of my game and my primary concern is defending, as I represent the team’s first line of defence. I’m also focused on assisting my teammates in scoring goals and being as complete a player as possible.
It was incredibly exciting because it was in the final minutes of the final. A draw would have still meant we would be crowned champions (Paraguay had a comfortable lead in the final six-team group), but we were hungry for more; we have a special rivalry with Ecuador.
I believe in them. I know we can achieve great things with this team. We’re a mix. Half of the team was here last year, so they’ve been here before, while the other half is new, we bring a lot to the table. I believe we can go all the way with this team.
To be honest, I’m not a big one for talking; I keep myself to myself. That said, I lead by example on the pitch.
I love playing football because I get away from all the chaos of my day-to-day life. It takes my mind off things, and I love hanging out with my team-mates. I love doing what I do because I’ve always dreamed of playing professionally since I was a kid. I’m also really happy to be able to help my family and support them.
It comes down to experience because most of them play abroad when they reach the senior level. They’re slightly better technique-wise and the difference with the youth team is that we’re just finding our feet.
You can always learn something new. I’m a very open person when it comes to that. I’m trying to improve my passing and shooting. Now I’m working on my finishing and shooting from outside the box.
It’s a massive achievement, especially after everything we’ve been through. It’s an honour for us to represent our country, and even more so to be going to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, given that we’ve finally managed to qualify again after so long.
We want to go as far as possible. I trust my team-mates completely because we have talent and discipline. I know we can achieve great things.
