Venezuelan international forward Deyna Castellanos has offered a glowing assessment of the development of Mexican women’s football, suggesting that the domestic league has reached a standard that could one day attract top-tier talent from across the continent.
In a recent interview with La Opinion, Castellanos, who currently plays for FC Dallas in the National Women’s Soccer League, reflected on her career trajectory and the evolving landscape of professional women’s football in North America. She emphasized the significant strides made by Liga MX Femenil since its inception in 2017, noting that the competition has quickly established itself as one of the most competitive and well-supported women’s leagues globally.
“The level of play in Mexico has improved dramatically,” Castellanos said. “When I first started following Liga MX Femenil, I was impressed by the investment and the passion. Now, watching games regularly, you can see the tactical sophistication, the physicality, and the quality of players. It’s become a destination for talent, not just from Mexico but from around the region.”
Castellanos, 27, has been one of the most recognizable faces in women’s football. A two-time Olympic bronze medalist with Venezuela and a former FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup winner with the youth side, she has built a reputation as a versatile attacker capable of playing across the front line. Her career has spanned multiple top leagues, including stints in England’s FA Women’s Super League and various European competitions before settling in the NWSL.
Her comments come at a time when Liga MX Femenil is experiencing unprecedented growth. The league has attracted record-breaking crowds, secured major sponsorship deals, and begun to export players to Europe at an increasing rate. Clubs like CF Pachuca, Club América, and Tigres UANL have become formidable forces in CONCACAF Club competitions, with Pachuca winning the inaugural CONCACAF W Champions League in 2024.
“I’ve been watching the continental competitions, and Mexican clubs are holding their own against the best teams from the United States and Europe,” Castellanos noted. “That speaks volumes about the ecosystem that has been built there. The infrastructure, the coaching, the player development pathways — it’s all coming together.”
While Castellanos remains committed to her current club and international duties with Venezuela, her remarks suggest that a move to Mexico could be on the horizon. She did not specify any timeline or particular clubs, but her openness marks a notable shift from earlier in her career when European leagues were typically the preferred destination for South American players.
“Football is global now, and opportunities are everywhere,” she said. “Mexico has always been a country where I’ve felt welcomed. My family is from there, and culturally it feels familiar. If the right project came along, I wouldn’t hesitate to consider it.”
The potential arrival of a player of Castellanos’ caliber would represent a significant coup for Liga MX Femenil. The league has already signed several high-profile internationals, including former USWNT players and European internationals, as part of its strategy to elevate the profile of women’s football in the region.
Football analysts have long argued that Mexico’s investment in women’s football positions it as a natural hub for talent from across Latin America. The country’s proximity to the United States, combined with its growing economy and sporting infrastructure, makes it an attractive option for players seeking competitive football in a supportive environment.
“Deyna’s comments reflect a broader trend,” explained Maria Fernandez, a football analyst who specializes in women’s sports. “We’re seeing more South American players recognize that Liga MX offers a unique combination of competitive football, cultural familiarity, and professional development. The league is becoming a bridge between North and South American football.”
Castellanos is set to return to training with FC Dallas next week as the NWSL prepares for its regular season. She remains an integral part of Venezuela’s plans ahead of the next Olympic cycle, where the South American team will look to build on their historical performances.
For now, her focus remains on her current commitments, but her words have certainly added momentum to ongoing discussions about the future of women’s football in Mexico and the broader region.
