Trans Woman Becomes First To Be Approved To Play Women's Football In Argentina

Mara Gomez is set to become the first trans woman to play in Argentina, after the AFA confirmed her registration to play for Villa San Carlos.

Gomez will make history by taking her place in the Women's first division in Argentina, and is likely to make her debut against Lanus on December 5th.

Gomez confirmed the news on her Instagram, sharing a picture of signing the contract pre-pandemic, before waiting for the confirmation from the Argentinian Football Association.

On her social media post Gomez said, "Today I am officially a player of the highest category of Argentine soccer.

"The road was long, there were many obstacles, many fears and sorrows. That which one day made me think that I would not be anyone, that I would never have the opportunity to be happy in my life today is reversed.

"I will be fulfilling one of the greatest goals of my life, that I thought indispensable, which was never going to happen.

"Thanks to all the people who from the first moment accompanied and supported me, and believed in me. Total thanks to Juan Cruz Vitale (DT) and Villa San Carlos for giving me the opportunity.

"Thanks to my representative Lorena Berdula who dedicated so much her time to accompany me in the process and for teaching me a lot. And thanks to my family who always hugged me and gave me strength."

Mara, a striker, had been playing in the Platense Football League for Las Malvinas before her big move that was accepted by the AFA after a testosterone test proved she had acceptable levels in her blood.

Villa San Carlos lost 3-0 on Saturday to Racing, with Gomez not in the squad, in their opening game of the league.