THE FIRST trans woman to join a top-flight club in Argentina has signed with Villa San Carlos in the midst of a relegation battle.

Argentine striker Mara Gomez, 22, joins the Primera Division A team in news announced on their social media.

1 Mara Gomez (right) poses with her fellow new signing Credit: Golders

A picture of Gomez standing next to another of Villa San Carlos’ newest acquisitions, Ludmila Angeli, went viral as a piece of the country's footballing history.

Local media report that the move will mark the first time in history a trans woman plays in an official Argentine FA tournament.

Gomez, who has previously played for Toronto City, told reporters: “Football helped me change my sexuality and my personality.

"It was a moment of distraction. I have been treated well in every club I have ever played for.

"We all take part in the same work and I never felt excluded from any of the squads."

It is said Gomez was signed from Argentine club Malvines who play in an amateur regional league.

There, she made her name as the club's top goalscorer and a two-time league champion.

Villa San Carlos are yet to win a single match after losing their first nine and are bottom of the league with one point after a 2-2 draw against Social Atletico Television on December 8.

Their next match is set to take place on February 9 against table-toppers Boca Juniors.