Der Traum, die Meisterin Europas zu werden

A team of teenage girls from Chiapas, Mexico, will compete in the international youth football tournament Dana Cup in Hjørring, Denmark, from July 20 to 25. The group, part of the Club Mustang FC Femenil Sub-12, includes five players of Tzeltal indigenous descent from Ocosingo. This marks the first time a women's football team from Chiapas has participated in an international competition. The team previously competed in the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden, from July 13 to 19, where they ranked among the top 16 teams globally out of 700 participating from 80 countries. The squad consists of young athletes from various regions including San Cristóbal, Tapachula, Frontera Comalapa, and Mexico City. They came together last year after winning the Futuros Campeones 2025 tournament on penalties. To fund their journey to Europe, the team launched a fundraising campaign titled "Rumbo a Europa: Patrocina el sueño de 16 niñas futbolistas" on the GoFundMe platform with a goal of raising 890,000 pesos. Additional support from institutions and individuals helped them acquire uniforms, shoes, and other necessities required for travel. Angélica Abigail Cruz Gómez, 13 years old from Ocosingo, expressed her belief in the team’s potential to win the Danish tournament. She plans to study medicine and intends to dedicate any victory to her family and supporters. Beatriz Alejandra Meneses Méndez, also 13, began playing football at age eight in local teams such as Deportivo Honda, Capi Siete, and Deportivo Balashté. Her mother hails from the Tzeltal village of San Jerónimo Tulijá, where she started her football career. Beatriz feels proud representing an indigenous girl traveling to Denmark. Ana Valentina Méndez Méndez, 12 years old, joined football at age eight and played for teams including Capi Siete, Deportivo Honda, FC Majo, and Deportivo Balashté. After securing the championship, she expressed joy at reaching new heights and excitement about visiting another country. She trains physically with her teammates and mentally with coach Elizabeth, aiming to become a professional player, study architecture, and join the Mexican national team. María José Domínguez Manzo, 14, who plays for teams such as Talentos, FC Topocapal, FC Majo, and Capi Siete in Ocosingo, recalled the surprise of winning the tournament in November despite not knowing each other well or having trained together before. The victory brought her immense joy, allowing her to experience new countries through sport. She aspires to play professionally and study medicine. Nataly Maldonado, 13, started playing football at six years old in teams such as Pinos Tr... The team’s journey highlights the growing presence of indigenous female athletes in international sports, supported by community efforts and personal dedication. Their participation in European tournaments represents both a personal achievement and a broader movement toward inclusivity in global football.