Who is Valentina Murrieta? The 17-year-old goalkeeper suddenly on Mexico’s radar after U-17 World Cup heroics

Mexico has a new name to remember  and she arrived on the world stage with three saves and zero hesitation.

Valentina Murrieta, the 17-year-old goalkeeper from Veracruz, became the breakout figure of Mexico’s U-17 Women’s National Team after stopping three penalties vs Italy to secure a place in the semifinals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. In a tournament built to reveal future stars, Murrieta didn’t just show up, she headlined.

And yes, the numbers matter:

• 3 penalties saved in shootout vs Italy

• 12 appearances with Mexico youth system (U-15 and U-17 combined, per FMF youth records)

• 1 national youth title with América U-19

• 17 years old, debut tournament at global stage

This wasn’t a fluke. It looked like the start of something real.

From Veracruz to América to the world stage

Murrieta was born October 22, 2007, in Veracruz. Her path began at home, literally, following the footsteps of her father, who also played as a goalkeeper in the local circuit. In an interview with ESPN, she recalled the moment she made the decision: “I want to be like you.”

From there, it was fast-track development:

• Trained with boys’ teams in Veracruz

• Scouted in youth trials and signed by Club América Femenil U-19

• Relocated to Mexico City to join the academy

• Won a U-19 title with América less than a year later

Confidence, maturity, and steady growth, not viral hype.

A mental game built early

Murrieta isn’t an improvisation talent. Her profile fits the modern goalkeeper mold:

• Quick off her line

• Strong reflexes in close-range situations

• Composed in shootouts

• Communicative in the box

Her style mirrors the keepers she admires: Guillermo Ochoa and Blanca Félix. And her game day ritual, tying her long curly hair just before kickoff, has already become part of her identity.

What comes next

Murrieta will continue her season with América Sub-19, but after this tournament run, the spotlight only grows. Mexico has seen U-17 breakout players before, and many went on to anchor senior national teams.

If her trajectory holds, Murrieta is now in that conversation. Mexico needed stability in goal for the future. A 17-year-old just put her hand up, literally, on the biggest youth stage.

And after three penalty stops, nobody is ignoring her anymore.

Bookmark the name: Valentina Murrieta. Mexico may have just found its next great goalkeeper.