Manoly Baquerizo becomes first Ecuadorian in Women's Champions League

Manoly Baquerizo has become the first Ecuadorian player to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Playing for Paris FC, the left-sided defender started in a match against FC Barcelona on September 23, 2026.

Baquerizo played the first 45 minutes of the match at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. During the game, she received a yellow card in the 22nd minute for a foul on Caroline Graham Hansen and was substituted at halftime for Fiona Maeva Liaigre to avoid the risk of a second booking. While FC Barcelona secured a 5-2 victory, the match marked a historic milestone for Ecuadorian women's football.

Originally from Guayaquil, Baquerizo’s career includes stints in the United States at Clayton State University and in Spain with clubs such as Granada CF, Deportivo Alavés, and CP Cacereño. She signed with Paris FC in July 2026 on a contract lasting until 2028. She also serves as a key player for the Ecuador national team.