"You always had a gem, but not everyone knew how to value it"

Corral won the 2026 Balón de Oro for best forward and said Mexico failed to appreciate her until now, though she remains committed to helping the national team qualify for the 2027 World Cup.

Charlyn Corral was named the world's best forward at the 2026 Balón de Oro gala in London on Thursday, an honour she said Mexico did not fully recognise until now. "You always had a gem in the country, but not everyone knew how to value it," she said at a press conference, reflecting on years of pressure and self-doubt despite her success, including winning the Pichichi award at Atlético Madrid in Spain's top division.

Corral, who plays for Pachuca, became emotional discussing her journey, including being dropped from the Mexican national team under former coach Mónica Vergara. "For many years I couldn't enjoy football because of so much pressure and demand," she said. "Today I can say I've done what no Mexican has done before. I have no regrets with anyone, but from now on I want to enjoy this to the maximum and be happy."

Looking ahead, Corral expressed her desire to help Mexico qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The team will play its quarter-final qualifier in the Concacaf Women's Championship on 28 November. "I have the desire and hope to be with Mexico in the next World Cup," she said. "I'm very demanding, and if I see I can't help the team, I'll step aside. But right now I feel capable and ready to help."