Toluca FC (women)
Mexican professional women's football club
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Deportivo Toluca F.C. Femenil is a Mexican professional women's football club based in Toluca, State of Mexico. The club has been the women's section of the Toluca men's team since 2017 and is currently playing in the Liga MX Femenil.[8] Its headquarters are located in Toluca, playing its home games at the Estadio Nemesio Díez.[9]
 | ||||
| Full name | Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club Femenil S.A. de C.V.[1] | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname | Diablas Rojas (Red Devils)[2] | |||
| Short name | TOL | |||
| Founded | 2017 | |||
| Ground | Estadio Nemesio Díez[3] Toluca, State of Mexico | |||
| Capacity | 30,000 [4] | |||
| Coordinates | 19°17′14″N 99°40′0″W | |||
| Owner | Valentín Díez Morodo [5] | |||
| Chairman | Francisco Suinaga Conde [6] | |||
| Manager | Alberto Toril[7] | |||
| League | Liga MX Femenil | |||
| Apertura 2025 | Regular phase: 4th Final phase: Quarterfinals | |||
| Website | tolucafc.com | |||
|
| ||||
History
Foundation and Early Years (2016–2020)
Deportivo Toluca Femenil debuted in the Liga MX Femenil, Mexico’s first professional women’s football league, in 2017 as part of the creation of the league.[10] The project was established by the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF) to integrate women’s teams within the existing Liga MX clubs and promote the development of women’s football nationwide.[11] The league was officiated on December 5, 2016, when the Liga MX Owners' Assembly approved its creation.[12] Following this mandate, which required every top-flight men's club to form a professional women's counterpart, Toluca established its women's squad. On April 26, 2017, the official group draw for the Copa de la Liga MX Femenil 2017 was held, revealing Toluca as one of the 12 pioneering clubs selected to participate in the pilot tournament.[13]
The competition took place entirely at the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF) headquarters in Toluca from May 3 to May 6, 2017. On May 3, 2017, Toluca participated in the historic inaugural match of both the tournament and professional women's football in Mexico, defeating Monarcas Morelia 2–1. Midfielder Andrea Hernández scored the first official goal in the club's history during the game. Managed by Juan Carlos Mendoza, the team also defeated Cruz Azul 3–0 but missed the final after a 6–1 loss to eventual champions Pachuca. Toluca finished the tournament in third place overall with six points, establishing an early competitive foundation.[14]
The club debuted in the Apertura 2017 season, competing in the inaugural campaign of the league. During its first tournaments, Toluca Femenil worked on consolidating its squad while adapting to the competitive structure of professional women’s football in Mexico.[15]
During its early seasons, the club established a core roster of domestic players, highlighted by the emergence of forward Mariel Román. Joining the institution during its formative years and debuting at age 15, Román became the club's all-time leading goalscorer and recorded the first hat-trick in the history of the club.[16]
One of the club’s earliest achievements came in the Clausura 2018 tournament, when Toluca Femenil reached the semifinals after finishing among the top teams in the regular season. The team was eventually eliminated by Monterrey, who advanced to the final.[17]
In the following seasons, Toluca Femenil remained a consistent participant in the Liga MX Femenil, regularly competing for qualification to the Liguilla (playoffs). However, the team often faced early eliminations against established clubs such as Club América, Tigres UANL, and Pachuca.[18]
The 2020 season was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the Clausura tournament and disruptions in squad continuity across the league. Following this period, Toluca Femenil underwent roster and coaching adjustments aimed at improving competitiveness.[19]
Return to the Playoffs (2021–2023)
In the Clausura 2021 and Apertura 2022 seasons, the team showed improvement, returning to playoff contention and achieving a quarterfinal appearance in the Apertura 2022, where they were eliminated by Tigres UANL.[20]
In recent seasons, Toluca Femenil maintained a competitive position in the league, reaching the Liguilla in multiple tournaments, including Apertura 2023, while continuing to develop young talent within its squad structure.[21]
International Recruitment and European Influence (2024–2026)
Ahead of the Apertura 2024 tournament, Toluca Femenil officially appointed French manager Patrice Lair as their new head coach. Lair arrived with an extensive résumé in European women's football, having previously won back-to-back UEFA Women's Champions League titles with Olympique Lyonnais, as well as directing clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux.[22]
Starting in the Apertura 2024 tournament, the club's board initiated an international restructuring of its squad under Patrice Lair, a period frequently described by the media as the "French formula". The first marquee signing was multi-time European champion Amandine Henry, who established herself as the team's midfield leader following her stint in the NWSL.[23]
To bolster the defense, the club signed Abby Erceg. Ahead of the Apertura 2025, the project expanded with the additions of Faustine Robert and Eugénie Le Sommer, who finished as the league's top scorer in the Clausura 2026 with 18 goals.[24]
In early 2026, Toluca Femenil completed another major transfer by signing Sofia Jakobsson, concluding one of the most ambitious periods of international recruitment in the club's history.[25]
Clausura 2026 Season
In the Clausura 2026, the club achieved one of its best playoff performances. In the quarter-finals, Toluca Femenil eliminated defending champions Tigres UANL with a 4–3 aggregate victory.[26]
The club advanced to the semi-finals, where it was eliminated by América with a 3–2 aggregate score.[27]
Alberto Toril and the Present Day (2026–present)
At the end of the Clausura 2026 regular season, Patrice Lair announced his departure from the club, citing personal and family reasons for not renewing his contract.[28]
In June 2026, Spanish manager Alberto Toril was appointed head coach ahead of the Apertura 2026 tournament.[29]
Stadium
Deportivo Toluca Femenil plays its home matches at the Estadio Nemesio Díez, located in Toluca, State of Mexico. The stadium is shared with the men's team, Toluca, and is one of the oldest professional football venues in Mexico, having originally opened in 1954.[30]
The stadium has undergone several renovations throughout its history. The most significant modern redevelopment took place between 2015 and 2017, when the venue was extensively rebuilt. The renovation included the demolition and reconstruction of stands, modernization of facilities, improved lighting systems, and the installation of a new roof covering most of the seating areas.[31]
Following the renovation, the stadium’s capacity was increased to approximately 30,000 spectators. The redesign also aimed to improve visibility and bring fans closer to the pitch, creating a more compact and modern football environment.[32]
The venue is notable for its high altitude, located at approximately 2,600 metres (8,530 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest professional football stadiums in Mexico. This altitude often influences match conditions, particularly affecting visiting teams unaccustomed to thinner air.[33]
For the Liga MX Femenil matches, Toluca Femenil regularly uses the stadium as its primary home venue, hosting regular season fixtures and occasional playoff matches. The stadium is considered an important home ground within the women’s league structure due to its infrastructure and historical significance within Mexican football.[34]
Support
Deportivo Toluca Femenil is supported by local fan groups, including women-led branches of the club's traditional barra, "La Perra Brava". These organized groups focus on supporting the women's team while also organizing family-oriented events and community support networks for female fans, aiming to increase female participation in Mexican football stands.[35]
Kit
Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors
| Period | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2023[36][37] |  Under Armour |
 Banamex[38] |
| 2023–Present[39][40] | New Balance |
Arabela[41] |
Personnel
Management staff
Presidents
Coaching staff
| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| Manager |  Alberto Toril[46] |
| Assistant managers | Daniel Flores |
 Shirley Cruz[47] | |
| Fitness coach | Vacant |
| Goalkeeper coach | César Lozano |
| Therapist | Angélica Arellano |
| Kinesiology | Vacant |
| Team doctor | José Albiter |
Source: Liga MX Femenil
Managers chronological list
Top managers appearances
Players
Current squad
As of 31 January 2026[54]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Other players under contract
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
International players
Note: Players in bold are part of the latest squad in the corresponding category.
| Selection | Category | Player(s) |
|---|---|---|
 France |
Absolute | Faustine Robert, Amandine Henry, Eugénie Le Sommer [56] |
 Colombia |
Absolute | Manuela Paví [57] |
 Sweden |
Absolute | Sofia Jakobsson [58] |
 Jamaica |
Absolute | Deneisha Blackwood [59] |
 New Zealand |
Absolute | Abby Erceg |
Foreign players
| Name | Country | Position | Age | From | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayla Thompson | | Goalkeeper | 25 | Brown Bears S.C. | Cl. 2023- |
| Abby Erceg | | Defender | 35 | Racing Louisville F.C. | Cl. 2025- |
| Deneisha Blackwood | | Defender | 28 | C.F. Cruz Azul | Cl. 2026- |
| Vanessa Penuna |  | Midfielder | 28 |  C.A. River Plate | Cl. 2023–Ap. 2023 |
| Amandine Henry | | Midfielder | 34 | Utah Royals S.C. | Ap. 2024- |
| Celia Bensalem | | Midfielder | 19 | Olympique Lyonnais | Ap. 2023–Cl. 2025 |
| Shanice van de Sanden |  | Midfielder | 32 | C.F. Pachuca | Cl. 2025–Ap. 2025 |
| Faustine Robert | | Midfielder | 31 | F.C. Fleury 91 | Cl. 2025- |
| Brenda Woch |  | Forward | 25 | Santa Teresa C.D. | Ap. 2022–Ap. 2024 |
| Gloria Villamayor |  | Forward | 32 | Secció Esportiva A.E.M. | Ap. 2022 |
| Michaela Abam |  | Forward | 26 | Linköping F.C. | Cl. 2024–Ap. 2025 |
| Eugénie Le Sommer | | Forward | 36 | Olympique Lyonnais | Cl. 2025- |
| Manuela Paví | | Forward | 25 |  West Ham F.C. | Cl. 2026- |
| Sofia Jakobsson | | Forward | 35 | London City Lionesses | Cl. 2026- |
Most matches played of all time
| Position | Player | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mariel Roman | 2018- | 188 |
| 2 | Karen Becerril | 2018-2023 | 137 |
| 3 | Zaira Miranda | 2018-2022 | 129 |
| 4 | Diana Guatemala | 2020- | 134 |
| 5 | Laura Parra | 2018-2023 | 126 |
| 6 | Liliana Rodriguez | 2017-2025 | 118 |
| 7 | Yamanic Martínez | 2019-2023 | 100 |
| 8 | Noemí Granados | 2019-2023 | 100 |
| 9 | Karla Martínez | 2020-2022 2025- | 100 [80] |
| 10 | María Mauleón | 2017-2021 | 96 |
Top scorers of all time
| Position | Player | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mariel Román | 2018- | 75 |
| 2 | Natalia Mauleón | 2017-2021 | 33 |
| 3 | Eugénie Le Sommer | 2025- | 32 [81] |
| 4 | Brenda Woch | 2022-2024 | 25 [82][83] |
| 6 | Destinney Duron | 2020-2023 | 23 [84] |
| 6 | Carolina Miranda | 2017-2022 | 20 |
| 7 | Cinthya Peraza | 2023- | 20 |
| 8 | Karen Becerril | 2018-2023 | 14 |
| 9 | Kenya Téllez | 2017-2020 | 12 |
| 10 | Amandine Henry | 2024- | 11 |
League top scorers
|
Squads
First squad in Copa de la Liga MX Femenil
Deportivo Toluca Femenil began the professional era of women's soccer in the Copa de la Liga MX Femenil 2017 on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, facing Monarcas Morelia. They fell with a score of 2 to 1 at the Mexican Football Federation Stadium, with goals from Kenya Téllez (41') and Karla López (44').[86]
First squad:
|
First squad in Liga MX Femenil
The Diablas of Deportivo Toluca Femenil began their participation in the Torneo Apertura 2017 of Liga MX Femenil on Friday, July 28, 2017, at the Metepec facilities, winning with a score of 2 to 1 against the Cruz Azul Fútbol Club Femenil. The scorers were Liliana Rodríguez (15') and Deborah Romero (86').[87]
First squad:
|
First squad on Liguilla Liga MX Femenil
The Red Devils began their participation in the final phase of the Liga MX Femenil in the semifinals of the tournament Torneo Clausura 2018 (Liga MX Femenil) on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at the Nemesio Díez Stadium, drawing 0-0 against Club de Fútbol Monterrey Femenil.[88]
First squad:
|
Statistics
Season-by-season statistics
| Season | Manager | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Best result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Apertura | Juan Mendoza |
16 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 15 | 30 | -15 | 14 | Group stage | [89] |
| 2018 Clausura | Juan Mendoza |
14 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 16 | 27 | -11 | 14 | Semifinals | [90] |
| 2018 Apertura | Juan Mendoza |
16 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 21 | 29 | -8 | 18 | Group stage | [91] |
| 2019 Clausura | Juan Mendoza |
16 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 29 | -15 | 13 | Group stage | [92] |
| 2019 Apertura | Juan Mendoza |
19 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 31 | 33 | -2 | 27 | Quarter-finals | [93] |
| 2020 Clausura | César Arzate (Interim) / Agustín Contreras |
10 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 22 | -11 | 8 | TOURNAMENT SUSPENDED[a][95][96] | [97] |
| 2020 Apertura | Agustín Contreras / Alberto Cuate |
17 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 20 | 33 | -13 | 16 | Group stage | [98] |
| 2021 Clausura | Alberto Cuate |
17 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 18 | 35 | -17 | 17 | Group stage | [99] |
| 2021 Apertura | Alberto Cuate |
17 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 25 | 29 | -4 | 23 | Group stage | [100] |
| 2022 Clausura | Gabriel Velasco |
17 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 20 | Group stage | [101] |
| 2022 Apertura | Gabriel Velasco |
17 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 23 | 31 | -8 | 21 | Group stage | [102] |
| 2023 Clausura | Gabriel Velasco |
17 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 27 | 30 | -3 | 22 | Group stage | [103] |
| 2023 Apertura | Gabriel Velasco |
17 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 29 | 31 | -2 | 24 | Group stage | [104] |
| 2024 Clausura | Gabriel Velasco |
17 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 30 | 28 | 2 | 26 | Quarter-finals | [105] |
| 2024 Apertura | Ricardo Belli |
17 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 24 | 32 | -8 | 19 | Group stage | [106] |
| 2025 Clausura | Ricardo Belli |
17 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 26 | 34 | -8 | 21 | Group stage | [107] |
| 2025 Apertura | Patrice Lair |
17 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 35 | 17 | 18 | 35 | Quarter-finals | [108] |
| 2026 Clausura | Patrice Lair |
17 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 38 | 26 | 12 | 33 | Semifinals | [109] |
| Total | — | 298 | 105 | 56 | 137 | 423 | 563 | -140 | 406 | Semifinals | [110] |
Youth Academy
Honours
The club operates youth teams in the Under-18 and Under-19 categories of the Liga MX Femenil development system.[111][112]
In the Clausura 2023 season, the Under-18 squad won its first league title after defeating América in the final series.[113][114]
Following the reorganisation of the league's youth divisions into an Under-19 format, Toluca Femenil won the Apertura 2024 championship by defeating Atlético San Luis in the final.[115] The team returned to the final in the subsequent Clausura 2025 tournament, finishing as runners-up.[116]
Women's Academy Manager
Ana Lilia Gómez Vences – Women's U-19 Manager [120]