Fútbol Star Deyna Castellanos on Why Visibility Matters

If you follow women’s fútbol, you already know Deyna Castellanos — the Venezuelan forward whose footwork and fearless play have made her one of the brightest stars in the NWSL. If you don’t, there’s no better time to start following her careerr. At just 26, Castellanos has already carved out a legacy as a trailblazer for young players across Latin America, proving that visibility isn’t just powerful, it can change the game. Her latest spotlight, as part of AT&T’s She’s Connected series, highlights not just her rise, but how representation fuels the next generation of women in sports.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t have an example for me to see [and] want to be like this person or player. Visibility is so important. It’s the only way you know you can accomplish something. If you see it, you believe it. We can help younger generations to believe what’s possible,” Castellano says in the episode, which showcases her journey and the importance of visibility for a sport that has grown exponentially in the past few years, but that is still leagues behind the popularity of men’s fútbol.

Castellanos currently plays for the Portland Thorns, has represented Venezuela on the National Women’s Soccer team, and is one of the most decorated and dynamic footballers of her generation, the kind of icon who has redefined what’s possible for women in sport. And she’s only 26 years old. But at 26, we already knew Lionel Messi. We already knew Neymar. We certainly know European footballers like Mbappé.

That commitment to visibility is at the heart of this episode, which spotlights athletes like Castellanos who are breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation. By centering her journey, from a young girl in Venezuela who didn’t see herself reflected in the sport to becoming one of its leading figures, the campaign underscores how representation can shift culture, on and off the field.

Tied to the “She’s Connected Campaign,” AT&T is inviting small business owners and everyone who wants to nominate a favorite local business to apply for the AT&T Small Business Contest. The winner will get a prize of $50,000, a year of AT&T service with a new device, and feature content with an AT&T She’s Connected athlete. Apply at att.com/shesconnected by September 30.