After eight years with Tigres Femenil, having been part of the club’s first-ever roster in 2017, Nayeli Rangel will go down as a club legend as she says farewell to the team she loves.
Known affectionately as "the fan who plays," Rangel leaves behind an unforgettable legacy.
On July 1, 2025, Tigres Femenil officially announced her departure after eight seasons, during which she became a true legend, winning six Liga MX Femenil titles and three Campeón de Campeonas trophies.
"The most important thing is what you manage to do with this club. It’s possible to play for the team you love. My story can inspire other players to believe that women’s football is becoming stronger every day."Nayeli Rangel
Pioneer and Founding Figure of a Golden Era
Rangel was one of the first stars to join Tigres Femenil in 2017, the same year the Liga MX Femenil was created. She arrived with international experience, having played for Sporting de Huelva in Spain and Sky Blue FC in the United States. Her arrival brought credibility and leadership to the project.
Thanks to her background and character, Rangel helped lay the foundation for Tigres’ winning culture, becoming the team captain and a key voice in the locker room.
From her debut onward, Rangel played 227 matches and scored 31 goals, becoming one of the team’s most important offensive contributors. Over the course of her career with Tigres Femenil, she overcame several injuries, including a fractured orbital bone (cheek and eye socket) in April 2024, which only made her stronger.
She was part of every final the team ever played, consistently delivering with her tactical awareness and leadership. Scoring goals wasn’t her main trait, but she was always in command of the midfield. She stood out for her positional awareness, composed distribution, tactical vision, strong discipline, and the competitive spirit that defined Tigres.
Relationship with the Fans and the Club
Rangel became a symbol of the team’s identity. Fans saw her as the soul of the group, a positive leader who led by example both on and off the pitch. She became the face of institutional campaigns, a spokesperson for equality and female representation, and one of the most recognized figures in Mexican women’s football.
Rangel was always known for her love of the club, its crest, and its colors:
"I remember being four years old and all I wanted was to play for Tigres. I thought, ‘It’s impossible that I’ll ever play here.' And then it happened—I saw myself out there, lifting trophies."Nayeli Rangel
A Dream Fulfilled and a New Chapter Ahead
Nayeli’s story is living proof that dreams can come true with dedication and passion. Women’s football in Mexico has grown immensely thanks to figures like her who believed in the project from day one and inspired thousands of girls to pursue their goals and turn them into reality.
New Challenge in Europe
Her departure comes as a personal and professional decision. She has accepted that her spell with Tigres as a player has come to an end, making way for new generations. Now, Rangel turns to Turkey, where she will continue her career with ABB Fomget GSK, a team that has competed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and plays in a growing league.
At 32 years old, the move marks the beginning of a new international chapter, one where she hopes to wind down her career with a new challenge in Europe.
The End of an Era
Nayeli Rangel wasn’t just part of Tigres Femenil; she was Tigres Femenil. Her legacy cannot be measured only in numbers or trophies, but in what she represents for women’s football in Mexico: commitment, resilience, leadership, and excellence.
Her departure marks the end of an era—and the beginning of another. And though she may be leaving the pitch in San Nicolás, her mark on the club and the league is indelible.
Will Tigres Femenil miss Nayeli? Let us know!