At only 17 years of age, Paraguay’s rising star Claudia Martínez Ovando might very well be crowned top scorer at the Women’s Copa América tournament that is taking place in Ecuador. Born on 15 January 2008 in Capitán Bado, Paraguay, Martínez rapidly emerged as a remarkable talent within Paraguayan women’s football. Who is this goal-scoring powerhouse, representing Club Olimpia?
Martínez began her professional journey in 2023 with Sportivo Ameliano. Her swift development soon led to a transfer to Olimpia in 2024. Since then, she has become one of the key figures in Paraguayan football. Affectionately known as “Claudinha” by her teammates, the media has dubbed her the “goal-scoring machine” following her standout displays in the 2025 Women’s Copa América, netting six in five matches.
Dominance in youth tournaments
Prior to her breakthrough at senior level, Martínez had already made a name for herself in youth competitions. In the 2025 Under-17 South American Championship held in Colombia, she emerged as the top scorer with ten goals in nine matches, helping Paraguay clinch its first-ever title in that category.
Her international debut had come just a year earlier, in the 2024 Under-17 South American Championship, where Paraguay finished fourth. That same year, Martínez participated in the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia, appearing in three group-stage matches.
From Capitán Bado to the international stage
Claudia Martínez’s journey has not been without obstacles. Raised in Capitán Bado, a city on the Paraguay’s border with Brazil, she recalled that opportunities for playing football were virtually non-existent during her childhood.
It was only at the age of 14 that she began playing futsal. Her talent was soon recognised, leading to an invitation to move to Asunción. There, she commenced her professional development with Sportivo Ameliano before signing with Olimpia. The once small girl who doubted her capabilities due to her size, has since grown into a national icon, respected by teammates, fans, and club officials alike.
A rapid rise, and historic achievements
During the Copa América held in Ecuador these weeks, Martínez captured attention by scoring six goals in five matches, that might earn her the title of top scorer of the tournament. The final between Brazil and Colombia will be played on Saturday, August 2, and Brazilian forward Amanda Gutierres follows the Paraguayan striker with 5 tournament goals. A particularly memorable moment for Martínez came when she scored a hat-trick against Bolivia.
This result not only secured a 4-0 victory for Paraguay but also made her the youngest player in the last three editions of the Copa América to score more than once in a single match, at just 17 years and 179 days of age. Among her standout goals was a long-range strike against Colombia, following a quick break and a rebounded ball, which found the net after skimming the post.
Even Martínez herself admitted to being surprised by her own execution of the goal. Her contributions were instrumental in helping Paraguay secure qualification for the Lima 2027 Pan American Games, following a 1-0 win over Chile in the fifth-place playoff on Monday. This milestone reflects the steady progress of the national team, which now considers Martínez one of its most prominent figures.
A bright future
Club Olimpia has already extended Martínez’s contract until 2027, underscoring the club’s confidence in her future. Meanwhile, international scouts are reportedly observing her development with interest.
Her meteoric rise over the past two years not only highlights a promising career, but also serves as a powerful example for future generations of female athletes in Paraguay. Today, Claudia Martínez represents both the present, and the bright future of the Paraguayan women’s national team. Her ambitions are clear: she aspires to play in the World Cup, and elevate Paraguay’s name on the global stage. Judging by her achievements to date, she appears well-equipped to make that dream a reality.
