Chivas’ newest superstar has become a target for clubs across Europe after a breakout season in Guadalajara.
Armando González, aka ‘Hormiga’, is a 22 year old prodigy from within the Tapatío academy who made his first-team debut in January 2024.
By the summer of 2025, the young forward had cemented his place in the Chivas first team and was beginning to thrive. In the 2025 Leagues Cup, González was handed a start against FC Cincinnati and made an immediate impact, scoring the winner, although it ultimately wasn’t enough to prevent Los Rojiblancos from bowing out of the competition.
Back in the league, he had his first major career moment when Chivas shocked everybody by winning the 2025 Independence Day Clásico against Club América in the Mexican capital. González scored the winning goal.
The Rise of Armando González
Chivas ended the year as one of the most in-form clubs in Mexico, with González playing an important and prominent role. He scored a hat-trick against city-rivals Atlas in the Clásico de Tapatío.
Along with Toluca’s Paulinho and João Pedro from Atlético de San Luis, Chivas’ young striker ended the year as joint top goalscorer in Mexico, with 12 goals.
Questions were asked about the longevity of González’s goal-scoring form, but he has silenced critics by netting five goals in seven games to start the year. Once again, he scored the all-important winner in the Clásico Nacional, giving Chivas back-to-back wins against América.
His form has even caught the attention of national team manager, Javier Aguirre, who is considering his options ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Aguirre started ‘Hormiga’ in tonight’s international friendly against Iceland, and his faith was rewarded when González scored. However, the youngster faces stiff competition for a spot as he is up against the likes of Raúl Jiménez, Santiago Giménez and Germán Berterame.
European move on the horizon?
González is widely tipped for a big move to Europe, especially after attracting interest from Spanish giants FC Barcelona. The Catalan club are reportedly monitoring the 22 year old as a possible long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, as the 36-year-old entering the final stages of his career.
Other clubs have also been rumoured with a move for the Chivas striker. CSKA Moscow reportedly offered up to $20 million for his services, a deal which was quickly squashed by the club and player alike.
If González makes the switch from Guadalajara to Europe, he will follow in the footsteps of legendary forward Javier Hernández, who did the same in 2009 when he signed for Manchester United.
