Charlyn Corral wins Women’s Striker of the Year at Ballon d’Or

Charlyn Corral made history on Monday, October 26, becoming the first Mexican player—male or female—to win an individual award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Corral received the Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy at the 2026 ceremony in London. 

The Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy was introduced in 2025 to recognize outstanding goalscorers. Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor won it in its inaugural year. Just one year later, 35-year-old Corral joins that exclusive list while representing Pachuca. 

And the numbers back up the win. In 2025, Corral scored 57 goals, including 50 for Pachuca and seven for the Mexico Women’s National Team. She also set a Liga MX Femenil record, scoring 22 regular-season goals in the 2025 Apertura tournament. Corral was also named IFFHS Women’s World Best Goal Scorer for the second straight year.

History isn’t a new thing for Corral. While playing in Spain, she became the first foreign player to lead the scoring charts in Spain’s top women’s division, scoring 24 goals for Levante during the 2017-18 season.

“It fills me with pride and great satisfaction. After a career spanning more than 20 years, I realize today that the hard work, discipline and effort have been worth it,” Corral said during her acceptance speech. “I think that when you do things with great faith — but, above all, with your heart — everything is worth it,” Corral added, and dedicated her award to Club Pachuca’s management and coaching staff.   

She also took a moment to celebrate Mexico’s support for women’s soccer, asking the audience to applaud Scarlett Camberos, who became the first  Mexican woman to appear on the shortlist for the main individual award. Camberos, a Club América forward, finished 21st in the voting.