By OkayGoal 
Women’s professional soccer in Mexico has experienced significant growth over the past decade. It transformed from an amateur scene into the fastest-growing league in the world. With the creation of Liga MX Femenil, Mexico established a structured, professional environment for female players. This environment has attracted both rising domestic talent and international stars. The league’s increasing attendance, television audiences, and investment from major sponsors highlight a new era for the women’s game in Mexico. It is an era that shapes the future of soccer across North America.
The Foundations of Women’s Soccer in Mexico
Before the modern professional era, women’s soccer in Mexico existed largely in semi-professional or amateur formats. One of the earliest organized leagues was the Liga Mexicana de Fútbol Femenil. It was created in 2007 to help grow women’s soccer nationwide. Although it provided opportunities for players and teams, the league struggled with limited funding, minimal media coverage, and inconsistent sponsorship support.
Despite those challenges, these early competitions helped develop talent and generate interest in women’s soccer. Many players who would later compete at higher levels began their careers in these grassroots leagues. This demonstrated that a structured professional league could succeed if it received enough institutional backing.
The Birth of Liga MX Femenil
That needed backing arrived in 2016 when the Mexican Football Federation launched Liga MX Femenil. It officially kicked off its first season in 2017. The league was designed as the women’s counterpart to the country’s top men’s division, Liga MX. At the time, most men’s clubs were required to have women’s teams.
The league’s structure mirrors Mexico’s traditional football calendar, with two tournaments each year: the Apertura (opening) and Clausura (closing). This format ensures consistent competition and helps maintain fan engagement throughout the year. This is according to Liverpool Buzz. From its very first season, the league demonstrated its potential. Back then, Chivas de Guadalajara Femenil won the inaugural championship.
The creation of Liga MX Femenil marked a turning point for women’s soccer in Mexico. It provided professional training environments, better facilities, and increased visibility for players.
Explosive Growth and Record-Breaking Interest
In just a few years, Liga MX Femenil has grown into one of the most dynamic women’s leagues globally. Attendance and viewership have surged as fans increasingly support the women’s game. According to Popular Timelines, a landmark moment occurred in 2018 when the second leg of the Clausura final drew more than 51,000 viewers. That moment set a world record at the time for attendance at a women’s club match.
Television audiences have also expanded dramatically. Millions of viewers now tune in to major matches. This reflects a cultural shift in Mexico where women’s soccer is gaining mainstream recognition and respect. Analysts note that this surge in popularity reflects broader changes in society. Now, young girls increasingly see professional soccer as a realistic career path.
The league’s rapid growth has also attracted global brands. Partnerships with major companies, including a sponsorship agreement with Nike beginning in 2023, have provided equipment, investment, and development programs for players across the league and its youth divisions.
Powerhouse Clubs and Rivalries
Several clubs have emerged as dominant forces in Liga MX Femenil. This created exciting rivalries that drove the league’s popularity. One of the most successful teams is Tigres UANL Femenil, often referred to as “Las Amazonas.” The club has won multiple league titles and consistently ranks among the strongest teams in the competition.
Another major contender is Club América Femenil. Their matches frequently draw large crowds and a lot of media attention. Another club that has established itself as a powerhouse is C.F. Monterrey Femenil. This created one of the most heated rivalries in the league.
These rivalries have helped build the league’s identity and create a passionate fan culture. Matches between Monterrey and Tigres are called Clásico Regio. They are among the most anticipated fixtures in Mexican women’s soccer.
Star Players Driving the League Forward
Liga MX Femenil has also become a stage for standout players who continue to elevate the league’s level of competition. Mexican striker Charlyn Corral has been one of the league’s most prolific scorers. She has been breaking goal-scoring records and earned multiple Golden Boot awards. In the 2025 season alone, Corral scored more than twenty goals in a single tournament. This highlights her dominance in front of the goal.
The league has also attracted international talent. Players from Europe, the United States, and Africa have joined Mexican clubs in recent years. This has raised the league’s overall quality. It also helped Mexican players gain experience against top-level competition. These additions have contributed to the league’s growing reputation as a destination for professional women’s soccer.
A Growing Development Pipeline
Beyond the top division, Mexico has continued to invest in youth and developmental structures for women’s soccer. Liga MX Femenil clubs now operate youth systems designed to bring up young talent and also prepare them for professional careers.
In 2024, the Mexican Football Federation introduced Liga TDP Femenil. It is a lower-tier competition aimed at strengthening the player pipeline and giving more athletes a pathway into professional soccer.
Youth academies and development leagues play a crucial role in sustaining the growth of the women’s game in Mexico. By providing opportunities for young players, the system helps ensure that the next generation of stars is ready to step into the professional spotlight.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead in Mexico
Despite its rapid growth, women’s soccer in Mexico still faces several challenges. Issues such as player safety, financial sustainability, and equal treatment remain topics of discussion. Some players have spoken publicly about harassment and online abuse. This prompted clubs and league officials to take additional measures to protect athletes.
Despite these challenges, the league’s trajectory remains overwhelmingly positive. Continued investment, stronger youth development, and increased media coverage are likely to strengthen Liga MX Femenil’s position as one of the most exciting women’s soccer competitions in the world.
Just the Beginning
Professional women’s soccer in Mexico has come a long way in a relatively short time. From the early days of small amateur leagues to having Liga MX Femenil, the sport has evolved into a competitive one. Strong club rivalries, record-setting attendance, and growing international attention all point toward a bright future.
As investment continues and more young players enter the system, Mexico’s professional women’s league is set to become an even bigger force in global soccer. For fans, players, and aspiring athletes alike, the rise of women’s soccer in Mexico is not just a sports story. It is a testament to the power of opportunity and the growing recognition of women’s talent on the pitch.
Featured image via @clubtigresfeminil