There has been plenty of talk about how the Mexican national team is going through one of the worst periods in its history. One possible factor? Many of its top players in Europe are not in their best form, and the number of Mexicans competing in the world’s top leagues has steadily declined over the years.
Why So Few?
At one point, Mexico had no representatives in the Champions League Round of 16. This is difficult to process, considering how many Mexican players have featured in the competition throughout this century. Although Rodrigo Huescas played two matches in this season’s competition with FC København, his torn ACL against Qarabağ sidelined him. Obed Vargas’ arrival following his winter move from Seattle Sounders to Atlético Madrid makes him the only Mexican eligible in the competition.
In England, Raúl Jiménez at Fulham is currently the only Mexican, although all signs point to him leaving this summer after the London club signed American striker Ricardo Pepi. In La Liga, Obed Vargas and Álvaro Fidalgo only arrived this winter, ending a stretch where there were no Mexicans in Spain — a stark contrast to previous years. There are currently no Mexicans in the Bundesliga, while in Serie A, Johan Vásquez at Genoa stands as the lone representative.
The drop in Mexican players in Europe can be attributed to several factors: Liga MX clubs often place high price tags on their players, and it is also widely known that some Mexicans have struggled to adapt to European football. As a result, clubs often prefer to scout in markets like Argentina or Brazil.
A New Crop of Candidates
However, this summer — as happens every four years with the World Cup — new names tend to emerge. Players based in Liga MX begin to attract interest from elite clubs, and strong performances on the global stage can open the door to moves abroad. With that in mind, here is a projection of the players who could make the jump to Europe if they deliver solid performances at the World Cup.
Gilberto Mora
He is already the real deal. Mora is the biggest prospect in Mexican football right now, and the only reason he is still playing in Liga MX is due to his age. In Europe, players are only allowed to move once they turn 18, which is why Mora remains with Xolos de Tijuana.
His standout performances with his club, as well as with Mexico’s U20 team and the senior national team — where he was a starter during the Gold Cup that Mexico went on to win — have already caught the attention of clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and more recently Napoli.
In addition, the midfielder is represented by the well-known agent Rafaela Pimenta, who also manages players like Erling Haaland and Matthijs de Ligt, among other elite stars, meaning it’s expected she will maximize the value of the youngster’s transfer.
Despite having an estimated market value of around $10 million on Transfermarkt, Mora is expected to be sold to a European club for no less than $30 million. If he shines with Mexico at the World Cup, it’s almost certain we will see him make the jump very soon.
Armando González
The so-called “Hormiga,” 22 years old, was a complete unknown just a year ago when he was promoted to Chivas’ first team. Now, he has become one of the biggest revelations from last tournament and continues to impress in the current Liga MX season.
In the Apertura 2025, he finished as the league’s top scorer with 12 goals, and he has already added 10 more in the Clausura 2026. Those numbers have earned him a call-up to the Mexican national team.
While his exact role in El Tri’s attack is still unclear, he is expected to be included in the final 26-man World Cup squad, which will undoubtedly put him on the radar of international scouts.
With an estimated market value of around $15 million — already surpassing Mora — Borussia Dortmund are reportedly keeping a close eye on the striker.
Israel Reyes
The Club América defender is one of the top performers in Liga MX, and according to reports, AS Roma in Serie A is the club that has been tracking him most closely so far. At just 25 years old, his market value is around $5 million, making him a relatively affordable option for a big European side.
He is a well-rounded and quick defender, although he can be prone to occasional mistakes — something that could likely be polished and corrected at the European level.
Raúl Rangel
The Chivas goalkeeper is on track to play his first World Cup with Mexico as the starter, having been the first-choice keeper in the recent international window against Portugal and Belgium.
Clubs such as Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and Feyenoord in the Netherlands have reportedly inquired about him, making it likely that, if he shines at the World Cup, he could make the jump to Europe.
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