Paraguayan international footballer Claudia Martínez Ovando has been formally recognised by Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies, receiving the prestigious Arsenio Erico Award award for her outstanding contributions to sport. The ceremony honoured her extraordinary achievements and her role in elevating Paraguay’s sporting reputation on the global stage.
Martínez, who currently plays for Washington Spirit in the American National Women’s Soccer League, accepted the distinction from deputies Santiago Benítez and Federico Franco.
Arsenio Erico Award: A national honour
The award, named after one of Paraguay’s most legendary footballers, Arsenio Erico, is reserved for athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent and bring significant honour to the nation through their athletic endeavours. Martínez’ journey from her hometown of Capitán Bado to competing in one of the world’s premier women’s football leagues exemplifies the dedication that the award seeks to acknowledge.
Known affectionately in the sporting world as “Claudinha,” Martínez has become a prominent figure in Paraguayan sport. Her success abroad, particularly in the highly competitive environment of the National Women’s Soccer League, is followed closely back home. Consequently, this official recognition by the nation’s legislative body is a testament to her influence, which now extends beyond the pitch.
International recognition and milestones
Martínez’s career recently reached a remarkable new height with her nomination for the Kopa Trophy, an award presented as part of the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony. This award recognises the world’s best-performing footballer under the age of 21. In a historic moment for Paraguayan football, she became the first player from the country ever to be shortlisted for this honour, ultimately securing a fifth place in the final rankings.
This achievement placed her among the elite young talents in global football, bringing unprecedented international attention to both her and her home nation. The nomination is not merely a personal accolade; it is a significant milestone for Paraguayan football, signalling the emergence of a new generation of world-class talent.
Leading the national U-17 team to victory
In addition to her individual accolades, Martínez played a pivotal role in a historic triumph for the Paraguayan women’s national team. She was a dominant force in last year’s U-17 South American Championship, where the national youth team was crowned champion. Her contribution was decisive, as she finished the tournament as the top scorer with an impressive tally of nine goals.
This victory marked the first time Paraguay had ever won the title in this category, making it a landmark achievement for the country’s women’s football programme. Martínez’s leadership and clinical goalscoring were instrumental in securing the trophy. Her performance not only delivered a historic piece of silverware but also captured the imagination of the nation and demonstrated the potential of the women’s game in Paraguay.
