Charlyn Corral makes history for Mexico with 2026 Ballon d’Or honour

Charlyn Corral makes history for Mexico with 2026 Ballon d’Or honour Mexican football has a new story to tell the world. Pachuca forward Charlyn Corral has made history by receiving the Gerd Müller Trophy as Women’s Striker of the Year at the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards. The 35-year-old is the first Mexican player, male or female, to win an individual honour at the ceremony. She becomes just the second women’s player to win the Gerd Müller Trophy, after Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor in 2025. Corral’s achievement places the spotlight on a career built on goals, consistency and years of competing at the highest levels of the game. Her recognition is also an opportunity to look beyond the biggest European leagues and discover the talent emerging from Mexico’s women’s game. As one of the leading figures in Liga MX Femenil, she has built an impressive record with Pachuca, combining individual accolades with team success. Corral’s journey includes spells in Spain with Levante and Atlético de Madrid before returning to Mexican football. Since joining Pachuca, she has become one of the league’s most prolific forwards, winning five scoring titles across the Clausura 2023, Clausura 2024, Apertura 2024, Clausura 2025 and Apertura 2025 tournaments. Her goalscoring record has also attracted international attention. In January 2026, the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) recognised Corral as the world’s leading goalscorer for 2025 for the second consecutive year, following a reported total of 57 goals for club and country. Ballon d’Or history for Mexico and Charlyn Corral Beyond the numbers, Corral’s story offers a glimpse into the quality and ambition of Mexican women’s football. Her latest award is an individual achievement, but it also brings international attention to a league, its clubs and the players working to expand the presence of Mexican football on the global stage. Mexico’s presence at the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards extended beyond Corral’s historic win. Julián Quiñones was nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or, while Scarlett Camberos became the first Mexican woman to be nominated for the women’s honour. Club América Femenil was also shortlisted for Women’s Club of the Year. These nominations marked a significant moment for Mexican football, placing both individual talent and a Mexican women’s club among the names recognised on one of the sport’s biggest international stages. Related articles from Her Football Hub: Sydney Sweeney’s Novig ad: What does it mean to represent women’s sports? ŽNK Ljubljana: The Slovenian cup winners fighting for stability From Alex Morgan to Naomi Girma: When women’s transfer hypes failed to become reality