Ana Lucía Martínez says Liga MX Femenil is now on par with Spain’s league, per report

Cruz Azul forward Ana Lucía Martínez, one of the most seasoned players in Mexican women’s football, believes the Liga MX Femenil has reached the same level of quality and professionalism as Spain’s top division. In statements shared with SoyReferee, the Guatemalan international praised the rapid growth of the Mexican league, highlighting its infrastructure, visibility, and the passion surrounding the competition.

“When I was in Italy, the Mexican league was already seen as a very competitive tournament, one that many players wanted to join,” Martínez said. “Today, it’s on par with Spain’s league, with the advantage that here we have better facilities and play in first-class stadiums.”

At 35 years old, Martínez is far more than just Cruz Azul’s most experienced striker, she’s a player whose résumé speaks for itself. Before arriving in Mexico, she spent several seasons in Europe, defending the colors of Rayo Vallecano, Roma, and Sampdoria, among others.

Liga MX Femenil’s rapid rise

The current Apertura 2025 has not been an easy campaign for Cruz Azul Femenil, yet Martínez insists the team still has the tools to turn things around. “We have the potential to do it, and we know everything depends on us,” she said. “This is a group that mixes youth and experience, and there’s a strong sense of unity between the players and the coaching staff.”

Beyond the club’s results, Martínez underscored how much the Liga MX Femenil has evolved in visibility and professionalism. “Matches are televised, fans are closer to the teams, and that helps the league grow,” she explained. “It’s a huge platform for international players and an opportunity to make football a true profession.”

Today, the league counts 18 clubs, with teams like Tigres, América, and Chivas drawing crowds of over 20,000 fans per game. Broadcast deals and sponsorships continue to expand, making the Liga MX Femenil one of the fastest-growing women’s leagues in the world.

A Guatemalan trailblazer

Martínez is more than a footballer, she’s a pioneer. The Cruz Azul forward was the first Guatemalan woman ever to play abroad and remains a central figure for her national team, representing Guatemala in major tournaments such as the Central American Games and the CONCACAF W Gold Cup.

Off the pitch, her story is just as impressive. Ana Lucía is a chemical engineer with two master’s degrees and a postgraduate specialization, proving that her discipline extends far beyond the game. “It wasn’t easy to open doors without role models,” she admitted. “But I’m proud of my path. It’s been a journey full of sacrifices, but also of joy.”

Now, as she continues to compete at the top level, Martínez hopes her example will inspire others. “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, especially for inspiring more women in Guatemala,” she said. “I hope my legacy helps open doors for the next generation.”