Red Bull Athlete Deyna Castellanos Is Paving the Way for Latinas in Fútbol 

    Red Bull Athlete Deyna Castellanos Is Paving the Way for Latinas in Fútbol 
    Deyna Castellanos stretches on set in Los Angeles, California on February 24, 2025. // Emma Sharon / Red Bull Content Pool

    Deyna Castellanos, the Venezuelan soccer star, has always believed fútbol would be her passport to the world. From her early days in Maracay, where she often joined her mother at her brother’s soccer practices, to her rise as a leading figure in women’s fútbol, Deyna’s journey has been defined by passion, skill, and an unyielding drive to challenge limits. 

    In a recent conversation with BELatina, Deyna shared her path from Maracay to Florida State University, where she made a decisive move at 16. “My childhood was filled with fútbol,” she reflects, recalling the early years of playing alongside boys. Her mother’s support fueled Deyna’s determination to pursue a sport that was not widely accepted for women. “She’s always been my greatest support. When I started, people told me fútbol wasn’t for girls. She never listened. She backed me in everything,” Deyna says. 

    Empowering Future Generations

    At Florida State, Deyna’s talent quickly stood out. She helped lead the team to the 2018 NCAA National Championship and earned two NCAA All-American honors. Her extraordinary skills caught the attention of the global fútbol scene, culminating in a historic nomination for FIFA’s Best Women’s Player award, making her the youngest player ever to receive the recognition. 

    Her career has since taken her across Europe and to the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Despite her fame, Deyna stays grounded, with her family and Venezuelan roots always central to her life. “When I arrived in the U.S., I didn’t speak the language. The support from my teammates, coaches, and professors helped me succeed,” she recalls, acknowledging the early challenges that shaped her as an athlete. 

    Red Bull Athlete Deyna Castellanos Is Paving the Way for Latinas in Fútbol 
    Deyna Castellanos heads a soccer ball in Los Angeles, California on February 24, 2025. // Emma Sharon / Red Bull Content Pool //

    Fútbol as a Tool for Change

    For Deyna, fútbol has always been a tool for empowerment. “Fútbol is a tool for change. I’ve always believed in its power to transform lives,” she says. Her Queen Deyna Program, which has supported over 50 female athletes with scholarships and resources, reflects her commitment to the next generation of women in sports. By March 2025, the program had awarded 43 scholarships to aspiring players from countries like Venezuela, Colombia, and Nigeria. “This is only the start. I want to help more women and girls pursue fútbol and dream big,” she affirms. 

    Deyna’s journey is defined not only by her skill on the field but also by her ability to break through barriers. As a Red Bull athlete, she partners with a brand that champions athletes who push their limits. “Being with Red Bull is a dream,” she says. “They’ve always supported female athletes. This is rare. The resources they provide enable us to perform at our peak.” 

    A Trailblazer for Women in Fútbol

    Her dedication to excellence is clear in how she approaches each match. “One moment that stands out for me is when I scored from midfield during the U-17 World Cup in Jordan,” she recalls. “We were tied. With just seconds left, I took the shot. It felt like everything came together.” This ability to perform under pressure speaks to her relentless focus and determination to constantly push her limits, whether it’s preparing mentally with music or setting new goals to break records. Deyna’s drive remains at the heart of her success as she continues to evolve as an athlete. 

    Though her achievements are significant, Deyna remains aware of her role as a trailblazer for female athletes. “From my first youth World Cup in 2014 to now, it’s been a remarkable journey,” she says. “I’ve watched my social media following grow from a few hundred to millions. It’s humbling, and I embrace that responsibility. When I was young, I didn’t have female athletes to look up to. Now, I realize many girls look to me.” 

    As Deyna continues her career, her mission extends far beyond the field. Through the Queen Deyna Program and her work as President of La Chamas FC in the Queen’s League North America, Deyna uses her platform to pave the way for women in sports and inspire future leaders. 

    “Being Latina is something I carry with pride,” Deyna says, her voice filled with warmth. “I am proud of where I come from. Maracay is in my heart, and no matter where I go, that part of me will always stay with me.” 

    For Deyna, this is only the beginning. Her influence in fútbol continues to grow, and with each goal, scholarship, and barrier broken, Deyna Castellanos proves the limitless potential of women in sports. 

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