Henry Martín, a hundred times an example

The 100th goal from Henry Martín has arrived with Club América. A goal that places him among the top 7 attackers in the club’s history, with all that it represents. Did anyone see this coming back in December 2017 when he was presented in Coapa?

Talking about Henry Martín is already talking about a historic figure for the blue and cream team. Moreover, doing so as a Mexican has even more merit, as this team is known for hiring foreign stars who constantly pose a challenge for any Mexican-born forward.

Let’s go back to the beginning. Henry arrived for the Clausura 2018 season, initially as a substitute. Oribe Peralta was the starting forward, and Henry, from Yucatán, was tasked with stepping in when ‘el cepillo’ wasn’t available. It was a role the newcomer from Tijuana seemed well-suited for. Goals came every now and then, and the fans were satisfied

The greatest challenge would come later, when the responsibility of scoring goals fell on the shoulders of number 21, and oh, did he suffer. Goals were not coming for Henry, and not only that. Even in clear opportunities, he wasn’t sharp in front of the goal. A fanbase like that of América doesn’t forgive easily, and the attacks began swiftly. “Henry ‘Muertín'”, “Patas de Raqueta” (Racket Feet), and many other offensive nicknames flooded social media. In the stands, every time his name was announced, boos echoed. Henry was going through a rough patch, and the goals seemed farther and farther away. The player himself confessed on several occasions that he hit rock bottom and needed psychological help to try to get out of the slump he was in.

To add to the sporting issues, there were family problems, completing an infernal moment.

The option of leaving Coapa was close; incredibly, the interested team was none other than Guadalajara, and as soon as this option became known, the América fans called for his departure, as a clear gesture and desire for the number 21 to leave the club.

The situation couldn’t have been worse, and against all odds, the Mexican forward not only managed to overcome the rough patch but also began to become the most important name in the club. Goals gradually started to appear, and the fans slowly began to forget the tough times.

Football cannot just appear or disappear from one moment to the next. A player is either good or bad, and they can improve certain aspects through hard work, but the conditions were the same as those of the footballer who was booed and criticized. What changed? Confidence.

In addition to hours spent on the field and in the gym, Henry also added mental therapy sessions; sports psychologists, coaching, and any technique became part of the forward’s routine.

As if by “magic,” the most judged by the fans became the most beloved. The most criticized turned into the team’s leader and captain. The one who was on the brink of leaving through the back door has now not only renewed but also has an entire fanbase concerned about when this story will come to an end.

Whether you’re a América fan or support any other team, stories like Henry Martín’s should be valued, respected, and applauded. It’s a story of overcoming obstacles that can serve as an example to the thousands of young players seeking an opportunity in the top division.

Reaching 100 goals puts him in an exclusive list where only 6 names remain above him: Zaguinho, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Octavio Vial, Zague, Enrique Borja, and Eduardo González Palmer.

The next goal for the Yucatecan is clearer than ever: to belong to the top 5, currently held by Enrique Borja with 104 goals. The problem? Henry could be experiencing his last moments as an América player, as his contract is about to expire and there are still no updates on his future. Will he achieve it?

Enjoy the last matches of the regular season in the Mexican league. Bet on your favorite and experience football with passion.

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