The national football team of Mexico is known as "El Tri." It is one of the most powerful and historically significant national teams in international football. In top-level tournaments such as the World Cup or the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Mexican team is always highly rated. Throughout the history of Mexican football, many prominent names have emerged, each exceptionally talented and upholding the legacy of Mexican football. Are you wondering if admin Wintips will mention them or not? Let's dive into the best Mexican soccer player in history right now.
Who is the best Mexican soccer player in history?
1. Hugo Sánchez
Hugo Sánchez Márquez (born July 11, 1958) is a retired Mexican professional footballer and coach who played as a forward. Renowned for his prolific goal-scoring ability and spectacular volleys, Sánchez is widely regarded as Mexico's greatest footballer of all time and one of the greatest players of his generation.
In 1999, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) voted Sánchez the 26th greatest footballer of the 20th century and the greatest footballer from the CONCACAF region. Then, in 2004, Sánchez was named in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players. He scored over 540 goals in his career for both clubs and country.
2. Rafael Márquez - The best Mexican soccer player
Rafael Márquez is widely regarded as the greatest defender in Mexican football history and has won the most important international club honors in Mexican football history. He was developed at the Atlas Academy in Mexico, and his big break in Europe came with AS Monaco.
After delivering an outstanding performance in the French Ligue 1, he was signed by Barcelona. Marquez was part of one of the greatest eras in the club's history, during which they won two UEFA Champions League titles, one UEFA Super Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup, four La Liga titles, and the historic Sextuple in 2009 (six titles in a single year).
3. Guillermo Ochoa - The best Mexican soccer player
Whether he is universally liked or not, Guillermo Ochoa deserves recognition as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Mexican football history. He was the first Mexican goalkeeper to play in Europe, representing clubs like Ajaccio, Málaga, Granada, and Standard Liège.
Moreover, Memo Ochoa has been the standout player for Mexico in the World Cup tournaments where he served as the starting goalkeeper, such as Brazil in 2014 and Russia in 2018. His performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was praised by the media and fans worldwide.
4. Javier Hernández
Javier "Chicharito" Hernández is widely regarded as the all-time top goal scorer for the Mexico national team and is one of the few Mexican players to have played for both Manchester United and Real Madrid. Chicharito began his career at Chivas Guadalajara.
In 2010, Jorge Vergara, the owner of the club, reached an agreement with Manchester United. Under the guidance of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Chicharito immediately made an impact, providing attacking support to Wayne Rooney. He won two Premier League titles and featured in the 2011 UEFA Champions League final during his time at Manchester United.
5. Carlos Vela - The best Mexican soccer player
Many would argue that Carlos Vela is one of the most talented Mexican players in history, but he chose a less risky career path. After Mexico won the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru, Arsenal quickly signed Vela on a five-year contract.
As a young Arsenal prospect, he played on loan for teams like Salamanca, Osasuna, and West Bromwich Albion. Vela's career was revitalized at Real Sociedad, where he built a formidable partnership with Antoine Griezmann. The Spanish club signed him on a permanent deal, and he spent six years in San Sebastián.
6. Jorge Campos - The best Mexican soccer player
Widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in Mexico's history, Jorge Campos left an unforgettable mark on the sport. This is a bold claim, considering legendary names like Antonio Carbajal and Guillermo Ochoa. Campos enjoyed a stellar career with Pumas UNAM and the national team. Renowned for his versatility, he could play both as a goalkeeper and a forward in the same match, as well as for his colorful uniforms.
His vibrant jerseys became an unforgettable trademark, making Campos a focal point of attention after he signed with Nike. Jorge Campos was a key leader of the Mexican national team. He played a crucial role for Mexico in the 1998 World Cup in France. His lack of experience in European club football was a major point of contention in debates about the greatest goalkeepers.
7. Giovani dos Santos
Dos Santos began his football career at a very young age, joining Barcelona's youth academy in Spain and playing for their B team until he was 18. He steadily improved, eventually making his first-team debut in 2007. The following year, World Soccer magazine named him one of the "Top 50 Most Exciting Teenage Players".
After one season, Dos Santos joined the Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 in search of more playing time. Although he remained at the club until 2012, he spent most of his time away on loan at Ipswich Town, Galatasaray, and Racing de Santander, with varying degrees of success. Spurs eventually sold Dos Santos to Mallorca in 2012, and a year later, he made the switch to Villarreal.
8. Hirving Lozano - The best Mexican soccer player
Born on July 30, 1995, Hirving Rodrigo Lozano Bahena is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a winger for Serie A club Napoli and the Mexico national team. Widely known as "Chucky," Lozano began his career with Pachuca.
In June 2017, he signed with the Dutch club PSV Eindhoven and won the Eredivisie title in his first season in the Netherlands. He also finished as the team's top scorer. In 2019, Lozano signed with Napoli for €42 million, setting the record for the highest transfer fee ever paid for a Mexican player.
9. Andrés Guardado - The best Mexican soccer player
Andrés Guardado is the most capped player in Mexico's national team history and was on track to set a record by playing in his fifth consecutive World Cup in Qatar. A product of the Atlas Academy in Guadalajara, Guardado delivered a standout performance against Argentina in the round of 16 of the 2006 World Cup.
A year later, he made his European debut with Deportivo La Coruña. After brief spells at Valencia and Bayer Leverkusen, Guardado established himself as one of the standout players in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven (2014-2017).
10. Luis Hernández
Alongside Chicharito Hernandez, Luis Hernández is Mexico's joint all-time top scorer in World Cup history, with four goals. Remarkably, he achieved this feat in a single tournament, delivering a stunning performance at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
The forward also competed in the 2002 World Cup but failed to score. Without a doubt, his standout tournament was the 1997 Copa America in Bolivia, where he scored six goals. His impressive performance earned him an opportunity to play for Boca Juniors in Argentina.
Conclusion
Mexico ranks fifth among national teams with the most FIFA World Cup appearances, having participated in 16 editions. Their total World Cup appearances are surpassed only by Brazil (21), Germany (19), Italy (18), and Argentina (17). Since 1994, Mexico has advanced past the group stage in seven consecutive World Cup tournaments. The team's achievements owe a significant debt to the best Mexican soccer player mentioned on the sports bookmaker website. Therefore, it is hoped that you will continue to support and develop an affinity for the Mexican national team in the future.
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