Ciudad de México – As the Mexican Women’s National Team prepares to face Brazil in a highly anticipated friendly, head coach Pedro López has emphasized the crucial link between on-field success and attracting investment in the growing landscape of women’s football in Mexico. López acknowledges the challenges in securing financial backing for the women’s game, but believes high-profile matches like the one against Brazil can serve as a catalyst for change, increasing both fan interest and potential sponsorship opportunities.
“I’m a women’s football coach and I can tell you that in very few countries does women’s football, or investment in women’s football, yield a return,” López stated recently. “There are leagues where it’s hard to identify television broadcasts, difficult to secure sponsorships, and a lack of the brands and events we notice in other sports.”
The upcoming match against Brazil, scheduled for Saturday, March 7th at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City, represents a significant opportunity to showcase the progress of the Mexican women’s program. López believes that a strong performance, particularly in front of a home crowd, can demonstrate the potential for growth and attract the attention of investors.
“These events support generate a return and encourage brands and companies to see women’s football as a good investment option,” López explained. “As viewership increases, television networks will also see it as an attractive and fascinating product to invest in. There’s a business to be nurtured in women’s football to allow it to continue growing.”
Building Respect Through Performance
The Mexican Women’s National Team, alongside the Liga MX Femenil, has been working diligently to gain recognition and respect within the football community. The match against Brazil is viewed as a pivotal moment to demonstrate the team’s upward trajectory and solidify its position on the international stage. A positive result on Saturday could significantly boost the program’s profile and attract further support.
López emphasized the importance of consistent results in maintaining and building that respect. “It’s exciting to see the stadium full. We’re going to be a joyful team, one that tries to enjoy playing against a great rival like Brazil. We’re going to try to receive a great result that reinforces the work we’re doing every day, and also highlights the evolution of women’s football, the league, and the work of the clubs and the national team in Mexico. We want Mexico to gain visibility with a good result,” he said.
The coach also noted the importance of maintaining momentum and avoiding setbacks. “We have to continue getting results to earn respect, because that can disappear with three or four bad results. We must continue nurturing the respect we’ve earned through good performances.”
The challenge of attracting investment isn’t unique to Mexico. Globally, women’s football has historically faced an uphill battle for funding and recognition compared to the men’s game. However, recent years have seen a surge in popularity, driven by increased media coverage, successful international tournaments, and the growing advocacy of players and fans.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, for example, broke attendance records and generated significant global viewership. This increased exposure has, in turn, led to greater sponsorship opportunities and investment in women’s leagues around the world. Mexico is hoping to capitalize on this momentum and position itself as a key player in the development of women’s football in North America.
The Liga MX Femenil, established in 2017, has played a vital role in fostering the growth of the women’s game in Mexico. The league has seen increasing attendance and viewership in recent seasons, and has attracted a growing number of talented players. The national team’s success is intrinsically linked to the strength of the domestic league, and López believes that continued investment in both areas is essential for long-term progress.
Beyond the financial benefits, López also highlighted the importance of inspiring the next generation of female footballers in Mexico. “We want to indicate young girls that they can achieve their dreams through football,” he said. “We want to create a pathway for them to succeed, both on and off the field.”
The match against Brazil isn’t just about securing a victory; it’s about making a statement. It’s about demonstrating the potential of Mexican women’s football and attracting the investment needed to unlock its full potential. It’s about building a sustainable future for the sport and inspiring a recent generation of players and fans.
As the team prepares for Saturday’s match, the focus remains on delivering a performance that will not only delight the home crowd but also send a clear message to potential investors: women’s football in Mexico is a worthwhile investment.
The Mexican Women’s National Team will face Brazil at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes on Saturday, March 7th. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM local time (8:00 PM UTC). Fans are encouraged to attend and show their support for the team.
What are your thoughts on the growth of women’s football in Mexico? Share your comments below!
