Meet Nigeria-eligible Vicky Lopez, 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Golden Ball winner

Her full name, Victoria López Serrano Felix. Nigeria-eligible Vicky Lopez was crowned FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Golden Ball winner at India 2022.

In this report, SportsRation presents details of the 16 year-old’s birth, parentage, career, full international options and interest plus her path to Golden Girl status at India 2022.

BIRTH AND PARENTAGE

Vicky Lopez was born on the 26th of July 2006 in Madrid, to a Spanish Father and Nigerian mother.

BREAKTHROUGH SEASON

Vicky was raised in Madrid where her footballing gifts were spotted as she turned out for Madrid’s CFF B team.

While turning out as an Attacking Midfielder/Winger, Vicky Lopez scored 60 in 17 games for Madrid CFF B in the 2020/2021 season.

INDIA 2022 GOLDEN BALL WINNER 

Vicky Lopez was called up to the Spanish Women’s U-17 team for the Qualifiers for 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and was in action when Spain were defeated finalists at the European Championship in May.

At the tournament in India, Vicky Lopez inspired the Kenio Gonzalo tutored Spanish U-17 Women’s team to successfully defend their title from the 2018 edition.

Spain kicked off their 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Colombia on October 12 at the DY Patil Stadium, India.

A 1-2 loss to Mexico in the second group game ensured Vicky Lopez and her teammates had all to play for vs China in the last group game with all four teams tied on 3 points.

Artero struck in the 61st minute to drag Spain into the Quater-final where in-form Japan laid in wait at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

In that game, Japan led through Tanikawa’s 66th minute strike until Golden girl Vicky Lopez struck to turn the tide.

First, Vicky Lopez levelled scores in the 87th minute for the reigning World Champions before adding a second in the 3rd minute of additional time to secure a 1-2 victory for Spain.

A Semi-final date vs Germany was next. Germany defeated Spain on penalties to win the European Championship and so it was a battle for a final spot plus opportunity for sweet revenge when both sides filled out in Margoa on October 26.

Vicky Lopez was her inspirational self, running rings round the German ladies as the Spain emerged victorious 1-0 courtesy of Corrales’s injury-time strike at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

A 1-0 win over Colombia in the Final n October 30, ensured Spain was crowned FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Champions for a consecutive edition (2018 and 2022).

For her outstanding performances throughout the tournament, Vicky Lopez was named India 2022 Player of the tournament, defeating Colombia’s Linda Caicedo (Silver ball) and Germany’s Mara Alber (Bronze Ball) to the prize.

FULL INTERNATIONAL INTEREST 

Despite representing Spain at Youth level, Vicky Lopez is still eligible to represent her mother’s country Nigeria at full international level.

The 16 year-old idolises Nigeria’s Superstar Asisat Oshoala who stars for her new club FC Barcelona Fermini.

This according to her former manager could play a part in her choice. Joshua King Dada Said as quoted by OJB Sport  ” Vicky loves Nigeria, she used to tell us back then. It’s funny because then, she told us meeting Asisat would be a dream come true for her. But now they are teammates.” 

Her father is not ignorant of her Nigeria interests and prior to her Spanish U-17 women’s team call-up hinted representing Nigeria was an option.

“Last week she was summoned to train with Spain U17s, Nigeria is still an option but no one from the Federation has contacted us,” her dad said, according to ANS.

“There might be problems for Nigeria to call her up in the future. It would make Vicky very excited if she receives a call-up to play for Nigeria, but it is very likely that in September she will be called up for the Women’s U17 EURO qualifiers,” he added.

That was before she hit Golden girl status at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup though. With the new level, a lot will change in terms of expectations, career plans and goals.

Who thinks Spain will allow this budding talent slip from their grip. That will be strange but it’s the future, we can only watch as events unfold.