After quitting in 2015 for a steady job, the Córdoba native rejoined the pitch, shone at Belgrano and earned a 2025 Copa América call‑up, helping Argentina clinch third place.
Before jetting to Ecuador for the 2025 Copa América, Betina Soriano’s day kicked off at 7 a.m. in her Córdoba police uniform and ended at 6:30 p.m. on the Belgrano training field. The first‑class corporal was among the 23 players named by Argentina, a squad that captured bronze. “My story’s a bit crazy,” she summed up.
Born in Córdoba’s San Vicente district, Soriano laced her first boots for Belgrano at 12. Her skill fast‑tracked her into the U‑17 and U‑20 sides, competing at the 2011 Pan American Games and the 2012 U‑20 World Cup.
In 2015, when women’s football in Argentina was far from professional, she made a tough call: she stopped playing. “I chose this for work and personal reasons; I needed stability,” she said. She then enlisted in the Córdoba Police, rising to first‑class corporal and handling admin and security duties at the central precinct, fully equipped.
Football found her again. She returned in 2019, spent a stint at Talleres, then in 2021 tried overseas with Costa Rica’s Sporting San José before rejoining Belgrano, where she became a key driver of the club’s promotion. That same year a national call came, but paperwork kept her home. For my money, her journey shows that dedication can rewrite a career.
“My day starts at 7 a.m., I’m off by 2:30 p.m., then train from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.,” she explained while gearing up for the Copa.
The comeback arrived in 2025. Coach Germán Portanova named her among the 23 for the Ecuador women’s Copa América. “Wearing this jersey again is everything,” she declared pre‑tournament. Argentina topped its group, fell to Colombia on penalties in the semis, and seized bronze by beating Uruguay, also on penalties. The podium finish also secured a spot for the 2027 Lima Pan American Games.
Merging police duties with national duties required the force’s backing. “Support came from day one,” she noted. “It’s wonderful and comforting to pursue your passion without worry.”
After returning from Ecuador with the medal, her superiors and teammates organized a tribute attended by Córdoba Security Minister Juan Pablo Quinteros. The police hailed her as “a true example of commitment and perseverance.” Will she inspire more athletes to balance public service with elite sport?