Charlyn Corral, ESBS Alumna, Named Best Forward of the Year at the Ballon d’Or Ceremony
On Monday, October 26, 2026, Charlyn Corral took to the stage at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London to collect the award for Best Forward of the Year. She is the first Mexican footballer to receive this recognition in the history of the award. At ESBS, we are especially proud to celebrate this achievement: Charlyn is part of our alumni community and graduated with the Class of 2017.
An Award That Makes History
France Football, the magazine behind the Ballon d’Or, presented the award for Best Forward of the 2025–26 season on Monday. The recipient was Charlyn Corral, captain of Pachuca Femenil. Harry Kane won the men’s category.
She arrived at the ceremony following an extraordinary season, scoring 43 goals and providing 11 assists in 46 matches, according to Concacaf, in addition to winning the Liga MX Femenil Golden Boot.
“I’m incredibly happy to be here and to be the first Mexican woman to receive this recognition,” she said after accepting the award. “I believe that when you do things with great faith, but above all, with your heart, it is all worth it.”
Scoring Goals at Levante and Studying at ESBS
Charlyn’s connection with Spain began in 2015, when she signed for Levante UD. She spent four seasons in Valencia, scoring 86 goals in 117 appearances. During the 2017–18 season, she became the first Mexican player to win the Pichichi award in Liga F, scoring 24 goals.
During those same years, between training sessions and matches at the highest level of Spanish football, Charlyn was pursuing the Master en International Sports Management at ESBS. In 2017, she graduated alongside her classmates at Mestalla, the home stadium of Valencia CF. She later played for Atlético de Madrid before joining Pachuca in Mexico in 2021, where she has established herself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football
“I remember Charlyn as a very hardworking, cheerful, natural leader who was deeply committed to everything she did. She was one of the most engaged students in her group, always wearing a smile after putting in the work. Without a doubt, she was one of those students who leave a lasting impression on the school, not only because of her sporting achievements but also because of her warmth as a person,” Says Jorge Coll, Founder of ESBS.
The Dual Career: Competing Today and Preparing for Tomorrow
Charlyn’s story illustrates something that an increasing number of elite athletes understand: a career on the pitch is intense, but it also has a limited lifespan. Studying sports management while competing provides an inside perspective on the industry, from contracts, marketing and sponsorships to the management of clubs and competitions.
This knowledge is also valuable during an athlete’s playing career. It helps them negotiate more effectively, build a personal brand and have a voice in the growth of women’s football, a sector that is rapidly professionalising and needs professionals who understand both the game and the business behind it.
Since 2009, ESBS has been educating sports industry professionals from more than 36 nationalities. Our community includes people working in clubs, agencies and federations, as well as athletes like Charlyn who combine competitive sport with their professional development.
ESBS Pride
From Valencia and Madrid, the entire ESBS community—students, alumni, faculty and staff—congratulates Charlyn on an historic achievement for her, Mexican football and women’s football. Congratulations, Charlyn!
Would you also like to turn your passion into your profession? Discover our programmes