The top Mexican nationals playing in MLS - ranked
Throughout its history, 86 Mexican players have graced the fields of Major League Soccer - with some going on to become legends; Jorge Campos, Rafael Marquez and Carlos Hermosillo, to name but a few.
In 2021 as the new season starts to heat up, a handful of Mexican players stand out in particular.
But who are they? Fear not, because we at 90min have ranked the top five.
5. Alan Pulido
Sporting Kansas City acquired Pulido in 2019 as a Designated Player. Prior to arriving north, Pulido scored more than 100 goals for club and country and won the 2018 Concacaf Champions League title.
Now, he has become an integral part of the team. In 2020, Pulido earned Sporting KC Offensive Player of the Year honors after scoring six goals and recording five assists in 12 appearances.
4. Jonathan dos Santos
Jonathan Dos Santos joined LA Galaxy in 2017, sharing the spotlight with his older brother Gio.
Despite living in his shadows, Dos Santos junior has emerged as a vital starter for the team. However, in 2020 he went through an injury spell that limited his season.
Now, in tandem with Chicharito, Dos Santos is making a visible difference. A new energy surrounds the team. The midfielder is now confident that the Galaxy can thrive.
3. Javier Hernandez - LA Galaxy
EPL legend Javier Hernandez, known as Chicharito, arrived to LA Galaxy in 2020.
Despite a slow start, Chicharito kicked off this year with a bang; Only four games into this season, the 32-year-old has doubled his efforts from 2020.
Six goals in, much is still expected from the Mexican national.
2. Carlos Vela - LAFC
The LAFC player has often stunned the world with his immense talent in California.
In 2020, Vela broke the single-season scoring record, led his side to their first trophy and won MLS MVP. He managed 30 goals in just 31 matches played. The forward wasted absolutely no time getting acclimated to MLS’s formats.
Though his contributions remain dim in 2021 due to a longstanding injury, Vela is expected back on the field in approximately two weeks.
1. Rodolfo Pizarro - Inter Miami
Inter Miami acquired Pizarro in February 2020. The two-time Concacaf Champions League and three-time Liga MX champion distinguished himself before making the trip north.
Pizarro kicked off the team’s inaugural season in a revolutionary manner, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 29 matches. He succeeded in providing the new team with creativity and a thrilling dynamic that continues to stun competitors.