The Journey of Dual Nationality in Soccer & Playing Abroad

I am Maleni Morales, a Mexican American goalkeeper currently playing in Liga MX Femenil with Club Pachuca. Born and raised in Northern California, I grew up playing for local clubs such as UC Premier and Santa Clara Sporting. I stayed in California for college, competing in the CCAA at the NCAA Division 2 level for Sonoma State University and Cal State University Monterey Bay, with a season at Las Positas College in between transferring.

After graduating from CSUMB, I spent a season with the semi-pro team Oakland Soul in the USWL. Before joining Club Pachuca, I had my first professional experience abroad with the French club Thonon Évian Grand Genève in Seconde Ligue.

The Advantage of Dual Nationality in Soccer

My family’s heritage has always been a defining  part of me and receiving my dual citizenship was certainly another way for me to feel closer to our roots. Although I was born in the United States I had the opportunity to apply for dual citizenship through my dad who was originally born in Mexico. Applying for dual citizenship was a process my family and I began after I trialed with a team in LigaMX femenil before graduating college. This opportunity came unexpectedly and didn’t necessarily result in my immediate integration to the league but was a part of my process to eventually playing pro. When on trial I learned that there were more opportunities waiting for me if I applied for dual citizenship being that clubs are limited to carrying only 5 foreign players on a roster in a given season. If I wanted to play in the league at any point and was registered with Mexican American nationality I would not take a foreign roster spot which came into play this season when getting to Club Pachuca.

The Transition to Playing Abroad

I am proud to be able to play in this league as a Mexican American. Mexican futbol and rooting for teams in LigaMX was a big part of my childhood and clearly defined what having passion for the game was to me. Playing here in many ways ties into parts of my origin.  The Mexican goalkeeper’s style of play is based on concepts similar although evolved to the ones I grew up learning from my first goalkeeper coach who had also had a Mexican background. Here I have found home in the league, my club and most especially the people that are a part of it. Although playing in other places in the world that seem less familiar can be daunting with all the change that comes of it, I also believe it’s a highly rewarding experience for the player who seeks these opportunities.

Balancing Identity & Opportunity

My first professional experience took me overseas on a 16 hour flight to Thonon Les Bains, France in a zone with a 9 hour time difference from home. There I played in Seconde Ligue with TEGG. I can say that I feel like my time there was very influential to my development as a person and as a player. Playing overseas and so far away from home exposed me to a lot of changes that pushed me to adapt in a short time. Moving to France I had to work to learn a new style of play, how to communicate on the pitch in a new language, adjust to a new training environment and team, as well as an entirely new country. Although at times experiencing all this change at once felt challenging, being in this situation, under stress increased my adaptability in new environments.

Moving to a new club will always come with an adjustment period but managing during this time is a skill and the more you experience the initial discomfort the more traction you can begin to build to use to your advantage when in a new situation. Whether you occupy a foreign roster spot or are recognized as a national in the league it takes courage to pursue new opportunities, don't be afraid to take that leap, bet on yourself.

"Maleni’s journey is a testament to the doors that open when players are willing to embrace new challenges and step outside their comfort zones. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of dual nationality, adjusting to different styles of play, or adapting to new cultures, each step has shaped her into the player she is today.

For young goalkeepers and athletes aspiring to play at the next level, her story is a reminder that success comes not just from talent, but from resilience, adaptability, and the courage to take risks. Pursuing opportunities abroad or within different leagues may be daunting, but as Maleni has shown, betting on yourself is always worth it. The game is global if you’re willing to put in the work, there’s a place for you in it." — by Matias Herrera, Goalkeeper Coach & Founder of Psico Goalkeeper Training.