The National Women’s Soccer League has become an increasingly international stage, and Mexican players have emerged as vital contributors to the league’s competitive landscape. From record-breaking transfers to debut trophies, from youth international experience to senior national team captaincy, the Mexican presence in the NWSL represents both individual achievement and the broader evolution of women’s football in North America. Here are the Mexican players who have suited up in the NWSL, bringing skill, passion, and a competitive edge.
Rebeca Bernal
Bernal is a current defensive midfielder and center back for the Washington Spirit. She grew up in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, where she was the only girl playing for her first club, Escuela de Futbol Cruz Azul. Along with playing in the NWSL, she is the Captain of the Mexican National Team (Selección Nacional Femenil), which she has been consistently a part of since 2016. Bernal’s arrival in the NWSL is new, joining in 2025, but she won a trophy in her debut in the spring against Orlando Pride to win the 2025 Challenge Cup.
Lizbeth Ovalle
Ovalle is a left winger for the Orlando Pride. She grew up in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where she consistently played with the Mexican Youth National Team since she was 16. She currently plays for the Mexican National Team (Selección Nacional Femenil), and in 2024, she scored against the United States during the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Ovalle joined the Orlando Pride in August and became the most expensive player in women’s professional soccer history with a $1.5 million transfer. Since being with OL Pride, she has already accumulated a goal and an assist.
Reyna Reyes
Reyes is a full-back for the Portland Thorns. Reyes grew up in Garland, Texas, and played collegiately for the Alabama Crimson Tide. She additionally played for the Mexican Youth National Team growing up, and in 2021 became a part of the Senior National Team. She has been with the Portland Thorns since the beginning of 2023.
Sofia Huerta
Huerta is a current right back for Seattle Reign FC. She grew up in Idaho, where she played for both the USYNT and Mexico’s Youth National Team. She played Division 1 soccer at Santa Clara University. After playing with the Mexican National Team (Selección Nacional Femenil) for two years, Huerta filed a one-time switch to then play for the United States National Team. Huerta became the first female soccer player to play both for and against the U.S. and Mexico.
Katie Johnson
Recently retired, Johnson played in the NWSL for seven years, finishing off her career in 2024 with Angel City. Johnson played as a forward in the United States but also represented the Mexican national team from 2015 to 2018. She was born in Los Angeles, where she also played Division 1 soccer for the University of Southern California. Her first NWSL club was with Seattle Reign in 2017.
María Sánchez
Although Sánchez recently transferred to Tigres UANL in the Liga MX Femenil, Sánchez had spent the last couple of years playing in the NWSL for Houston Dash and the San Diego Wave. She was born in Idaho, where she grew up playing as a winger for the Youth National Team in Mexico. Sánchez played Division 1 collegiate soccer at Idaho State University before transferring and finishing her studies at Santa Clara University, graduating in 2018. Since 2015, Sánchez has been a consistent part of Mexico’s Women’s National Team.
Diana Ordóñez
Ordóñez is another Mexican player who has recently left the NWSL in 2025. Although she has left, she spent a solid three years playing for the NC Courage and the Houston Dash. Ordóñez grew up in Riverside, California, but eventually moved to Frisco, Texas. She spent much of her youth international experience playing with the USYNT, but in 2022 began playing for the Mexican National Team. She played Division 1 collegiate soccer at the University of Virginia and was immediately drafted into the NWSL as a forward. Ordóñez now plays for Tigres UANL in the Liga MX Femenil.
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