If you've scrolled through social media lately, you've likely seen it: a jaw-dropping scorpion kick from Mexican forward Lizbeth Ovalle that seems to defy physics. The clip, from a Liga MX Femenil match between Tigres and Chivas, has been making the rounds again, with fans marveling at the audacity and precision of the finish. Many are calling for it to win the Puskás Award—unaware that it already took home the highest honor FIFA gives for a goal in women's football: the Marta Award.
A goal that stopped time
The moment came during a heated rivalry game in 2025. Ovalle, then with Tigres Femenil, received a pinpoint cross from Spanish teammate Jennifer Hermoso. With her back to goal, she launched into an inverted scorpion kick, flicking the ball with her heel over the goalkeeper and into the top corner. The sheer improvisation and technical execution left fans and pundits speechless. Ovalle later joked that she'd call the move the camaroncín, a playful nod to the shrimp-like shape of her body mid-air.
The goal quickly racked up millions of views across platforms, and it's not hard to see why. It's the kind of strike that belongs in a highlight reel for the ages, a blend of creativity, athleticism, and sheer nerve. As one fan put it, "You don't see goals like this every day—maybe once in a lifetime."
Why the Marta Award, not the Puskás?
FIFA introduced the Marta Award in 2024 to honor the best goal in women's football each year, a counterpart to the men's Puskás Award. The move was widely praised as a step toward recognizing the unique skill and artistry in the women's game. Ovalle's strike was nominated for the 2025 edition, and in December 2025, she won the global vote, beating out a shortlist of spectacular goals from around the world. The win was a landmark moment for Mexican football and for women's football across the Americas.
Still, the confusion online is understandable. The Puskás has been the gold standard for viral goals for over a decade, and many casual fans aren't aware of the newer Marta Award. But for those in the know, Ovalle's recognition is well deserved. As one analyst noted, "It's not just a goal; it's a piece of art."
From Monterrey to Orlando
Ovalle's career has been on an upward trajectory ever since. After her historic goal and the Marta Award, she completed a high-profile transfer from Tigres Femenil to Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The move was one of the most significant in North American women's soccer, bringing a proven goal-scorer and now global icon to the U.S. league. For Orlando Pride, it's a statement signing; for Ovalle, it's a new chapter in a career that's already full of highlights.
Her impact extends beyond the pitch. As a Mexican international, Ovalle has become a role model for young players across Latin America, showing that talent and creativity can take you to the top of the sport. Her goal has been shared by everyone from casual fans to major sports outlets, and it continues to inspire new generations of players.
The power of a viral moment
The recent resurgence of the clip is a testament to the enduring appeal of iconic sports moments. Social media has a way of keeping these highlights alive, introducing them to new audiences long after the final whistle. For women's football, that visibility is crucial. It showcases the skill, excitement, and passion that define the game at its highest level.
As Ovalle settles into life in Orlando, her scorpion kick remains a touchstone for what's possible in football. It's a goal that transcends borders and languages, a moment of pure brilliance that will be replayed for years to come. And for Latino fans, it's a source of pride—a reminder that our players are capable of the extraordinary.
For more on viral sports moments, check out this heartwarming story or how a young Messi changed soccer. And if you're into viral moments beyond sports, this dembow freestyle is worth a listen.
