THE first trans woman to join a top-flight club in Argentina finally made her debut today 11 months after signing.
Striker Mara Gomez, 23, played for Primera Division side Villa San Carlos against Lanus in Buenos Aires on Monday.
Mara Gomez made history in the Argentine league on MondayCredit: Associated Press
She finally made her debut for Villa San CarlosCredit: EPA
She signed in January and local media reported that the move marked the first time a trans woman will play in an official Argentine FA tournament.
And the long wait for a debut was finally over after almost a year of waiting.
Gomez spent months trying to convince the Argentine FA that she doesn’t have an unfair advantage.
She used blood samples to plead her case that show her testosterone is within guidelines for transgender athletes designed by the IOC.
Gomez was clearly emotional after her trailblazing accomplishment and also received a shirt from opposition Lanus – who won 7-1 – to mark the occasion.
The star wrote on Instagram this week: “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.
Mara Gomez in action against Lanus in Buenos AiresCredit: Associated Press
And the occasion was clearly emotional for the trailblazerCredit: Associated Press
“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.”
Gomez, who has previously played for Toronto City, said earlier this year: “Football helped me change my sexuality and my personality.
“It was a moment of distraction. I have been treated well in every club I have ever played for.
She even received a jersey from opposition Lanus with her name on itCredit: AFP
“We all take part in the same work and I never felt excluded from any of the squads.”
It is said Gomez was signed from Argentine club Malvines who play in an amateur regional league.
There, she made her name as the club’s top goalscorer and was a two-time league champion.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
