Last week, U.S. President Barack Obama said “playing like a girl means you’re a badass.”
El Hormiguero, a Spanish talk show, set out to prove as much and help dispel stereotypes about women’s soccer.
“Men and women playing football can perform at the same level,” says the announcer.
The show enlisted professional soccer player Brenda Perez and disguised her as a man with a seven-hour make-up session.
With a facial prosthetic, beard and wig, 21-year-old Brenda became “Dani Perez” and joined in on a non-league men’s game in Madrid.
Only the team manager and referees knew her true identity as Perez dominated all the men on the pitch with at least two goals and one assist.
During the game, the opposing team’s manager can be heard saying, “Keep an eye on number eight,” before commenting on how well Perez handles the ball.
But as she sets herself up for a free kick, Perez begins to remove her disguise. Stunned, players and spectators’ jaws begin to drop.
And in one swift movement, Perez lands the ball in the net.
Perez, who played for Atletico Madrid this past season, said on the show that it was an “unforgettable experience.”
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