Valeria Alvarado Reflects on Her World Cup Journey and Future Aspirations
At just 18 years old, Valeria Alvarado has already made significant strides in her football career, notably celebrating a bronze medal with the Mexican national team at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup held in Morocco. This tournament was not only a milestone for Alvarado but also a critical opportunity that allowed her to overcome her fears of performing on grand stages. As a midfielder for Chivas, she recalls the invaluable lessons learned during the tournament and her aspirations moving forward. Just a year ago, Alvarado made her debut with Chivas in the Liga Femenil de México at the tender age of 17, and shortly thereafter, she found herself competing on an international level.
The Mexican U-17 team, known as “El Tri,” drew inspiration from their remarkable performance at the 2018 World Cup, where they reached the finals against Spain. In the recent tournament, the Mexican squad faced tough competition in the group stages against formidable teams such as North Korea, the Netherlands, and Cameroon, ultimately advancing to the knockout rounds in second place, with North Korea being their only defeat in that phase. Alvarado played a crucial role throughout the tournament, providing assists and consistently being a key player in five of the six matches, culminating in a hard-fought victory against Brazil in the penalty shootout to secure the bronze medal.
Challenges and Triumphs on the International Stage
In a recent interview, Alvarado opened up about her experiences in Africa, detailing the pressures of international football and the challenges she faces in her club career. When asked about the key to Mexico's success in claiming a podium finish at the World Cup, she emphasized the importance of unity and self-belief among the team. "The main thing was our togetherness and believing in ourselves, supporting each other no matter where we were on the field. We always gave each other confidence and believed we were the best," she stated.
Addressing the tension and expectations that come with representing a historically successful national team, Alvarado noted that while they were aware of the high expectations from fans, they focused on enjoying each moment and taking it game by game. The physical nature of international competition was another aspect that struck her profoundly. "The main difference was the physicality; we realized there are many teams outside of Mexico preparing to be better, and some are incredibly fast," she explained.
Reflecting on the camaraderie developed within the team, Alvarado cherishes the friendships formed during the tournament and the unique experience of traveling to Morocco, a country she never imagined she would visit. This international exposure has not only enriched her football journey but has also shaped her mindset as she returns to Chivas, where she aims to continue competing at the highest levels.
As she looks to the future, Alvarado seeks to build on her experiences at the World Cup and leverage the guidance of seasoned players within her club. "In a team like Chivas, there are plenty of role models to learn from. I try to observe all my teammates, from the most experienced to those just starting, always seeking to learn through observation. Caro Jaramillo, who plays in the same position, inspires me a lot, and I admire her playing style," she shared.
As a new generation of Mexican players prepares to embark on a similar journey to Morocco, Alvarado has strong advice for them: "Never stop enjoying each match, always keep fighting, and remember that every encounter will be challenging. If faced with a disappointing result, do not let it bring you down; there's always more to give because Mexico deserves to be at the top."
As reported by fifa.com.
