Julieta Venegas faces criticism for her song “La Niña Futbolista” ahead of the 2026 World Cup
What sought to encourage women towards the 2026 World Cup ended amid criticism, memes and debate over the Mexican's new song
The name of the singer Julieta Venegas is the target of controversy after the release of “The Football Girl”, a song conceived as an opportunity to send a positive message to women ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup.
However, what began as a promising initiative soon became the trigger for dozens of criticisms and even memes against it.
According to Internet users, one of the points that generated the greatest controversy was that the presentation of the topic occurred during a conference headed by the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, from the National Palace.
In addition to having acquired this political overtone, dozens of users alleged that the sound of the topic is completely different from the proposals that FIFA has presented in this edition of the World Cup.
In contrast to the song “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy, Internet users even refer to it as “slow, melancholic and not very festive.”
The controversy was further ignited when the YouTube comments section of the video was restricted, which to many suggested that the artist would not be open to hearing criticism. This translated into signs of annoyance through the celebrity's other channels, including her Instagram and TikTok accounts.
A misunderstood lyric or a misguided version?
Another conversation that has taken place as a result of the controversy is associated with the origin of the topic. What many do not know is that Julieta Venegas' proposal is a new version of the famous children's rock song by the Mexican group “Los Patita de Perro”, which was originally released in 2003.
In its verses, “The Soccer Girl” tells the story of a little girl who faces several obstacles to fulfill her dream of playing soccer due to gender prejudices.
However, critics point out that the context in which said song was written is completely different from the current one.
Despite not being involved in the production of this new version, the group “Patita de Perro” decided to clarify several points about the controversy in a statement.
"It may be that they did not like their version, or ours, or perhaps neither. It may also be that they do not agree with the President or with anything, that is absolutely valid," said Nacho Pata, a member of the band. “It's just a song for children, don't feel threatened, please,” he concluded.