Janelly Farias

Janelly Farias Rodriguez (born February 12, 1990) is an American-born Mexican footballer who plays as centre back for Liga MX Femenil club CD Guadalajara and the Mexico women's national team. She participated in Exatlon Estados Unidos season 1 and was a Commentator/Analyst for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup for Telemundo. She uses her platform to promote inclusivity and advocate for LGBT+ persons. She is openly gay.

Club Career

After publicly coming out as lesbian while playing college soccer, the rejection she suffered from her family originally led her to quit football. After a few years, however, during which her family gradually reconnected with her and in which she was inspired by the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, she made the decision to return to the sport.

On 28 June 2019, Farias joined Liga MX Femenil side CD Guadalajara.

International Career

Farias represented Mexico at the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship. She made her senior debut on 1 April 2007. She is currently on the full women’s Mexico national team and looking to participate in the 2020 Olympic qualifying CONCACAF TOURNAMENT.