Top 5 Mexican Football Legends Up to 2023
Mexico, a powerhouse in the world of football, boasts a rich history that dates back to its inaugural participation in the FIFA World Cup. The Mexican national team, known as El Tri, has consistently qualified for the World Cup since 1994, a remarkable achievement matched by only five other nations. What's more, Mexico has consistently reached the knockout rounds since 1994, a feat shared only with the mighty Brazil. Furthermore, they've clinched eleven confederation titles, comprising eight CONCACAF Gold Cups and three CONCACAF Championships. Given their sustained success over the years, ranking the top Mexican footballers is no easy task. In this article, we delve into the careers of the five greatest Mexican footballers in history as of 2023.
5. Javier Hernandez: Caps - 109, Goals - 52
Javier Hernandez, popularly known as Chicharito, is Mexico's all-time leading goal scorer. His goal-scoring prowess has shone on both domestic and international stages. While his only major silverware with the national team was the 2011 Gold Cup, where Mexico triumphed over the United States 4-2, Chicharito's standout performance earned him the MVP award. He scored a remarkable seven goals during the tournament, an outstanding achievement.
Notably, Hernandez has found the net in three different World Cups for Mexico, sharing this record with legends Rafael Marquez and Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Despite his remarkable individual achievements, Chicharito's lack of collective success with the national team has left some room for speculation about what could have been. Having played for prestigious European clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United, where he won two Premier League titles, Chicharito, now 34, continues to showcase his goal-scoring prowess with LA Galaxy in the MLS.
4. Jorge Campos: Caps - 130
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Jorge Campos, a legendary goalkeeper for El Tri, left an indelible mark on Mexican footballing history with his exceptional skills between the posts. Leading the Mexican national team in the 1990s, Campos participated in 130 matches while proudly wearing the green jersey, including eight appearances in World Cup tournaments spanning USA 1994 and France 1998.
Campos delivered some of his most memorable performances on home soil, notably during Mexico's Gold Cup victories in 1993 and 1996. In 1999, he played a pivotal role as Mexico defeated Brazil at the Confederations Cup to secure their first title. Campos began his professional career at UNAM, initially waiting a year to play as a goalkeeper due to the presence of an established shot-stopper. Interestingly, he spent one season as a striker before transitioning back to his goalkeeping role. Campos achieved glory not only at the international level but also at the club level, winning the CONCACAF Champions League and the MLS Cup during his time at Chicago Fire.
3. Cuauhtemoc Blanco: Caps - 120, Goals - 38
Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Mexico's second all-time leading goal scorer with 38 goals, played a pivotal role in Mexico's Gold Cup triumphs in 1996 and 1998. He received the Silver Ball and Boot awards following the latter tournament, highlighting his exceptional contributions to the national team.
Blanco's footballing career was marked by versatility. Initially known for his electric style of play, he later evolved into a midfield maestro capable of controlling the tempo of the game. With his remarkable vision, ball control, and game-reading abilities, Blanco transitioned from being a box-to-box sprinter to a player who could choose when to pass or unleash a powerful shot on goal. Blanco scored an impressive 181 goals while representing ten different teams. His notable club achievements include winning the CONCACAF Champions League twice with Club America, first in 1992 and then 14 years later in 2006.
2. Rafael Marquez: Caps - 147, Goals - 17
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Rafael Marquez stands out as Mexico's finest defender to date. His club career boasts an impressive collection of titles, including La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana, UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup during his tenure with Barcelona. He was a crucial part of one of the greatest Barcelona teams ever assembled.
Marquez's leadership qualities extended to the international stage, where he played a pivotal role in Mexico's triumphs at the 1999 Confederations Cup, the 2003 Gold Cup, and the 2011 World Cup. Known for his outstanding passing ability, Marquez was adept at spraying long-range passes and taking potent shots from a distance. His ability to keep his team together in challenging circumstances made him an exceptional leader for Mexico.
1. Hugo Sanchez: Caps - 58, Goals - 29
Unquestionably, the top spot belongs to Hugo Sanchez, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the history of football. Sanchez earned the distinction of being named the best CONCACAF player of the twentieth century by the International Football Federation of History and Statistics.
A legendary figure at Real Madrid, Sanchez secured his place in Los Blancos' all-time XI, an astonishing feat considering his controversial move from city rivals Atletico Madrid. During his tenure with Real Madrid, Sanchez scored an incredible 164 goals in 207 games, contributing significantly to five league titles.
While representing Mexico in three World Cups (1978, 1986, and 1994), Sanchez scored 29 goals for his country. His goal tally might have been higher were it not for FIFA's suspension of Mexico during his prime, preventing them from competing in the 1990 World Cup. Nevertheless, Hugo Sanchez's legacy endures as an icon of Mexican and global football.
