No local talent, ‘no problem

It has been impossible to move away from the topic of the Mexican national team and, in general, Mexican football and the tough times it is going through. The recent defeat against the United States, coupled with the five-year drought without a win against them, has left scars that will be hard to heal in the coming days.

Once Mexican football has been criticized and scrutinized in all its areas, the debate in recent hours has led us to a new topic: naturalized players.

With a lack of local talent and, above all, a stable project that allows us to form and develop future footballers, the discussion and bet should not be considered outlandish.

Fans are tired and disappointed. It’s been years of promises, hopes, and constant failures. The world is constantly evolving, and globalization has brought us to face challenges for which we seem unprepared.

How is it that teams that are not usually in the elite have managed to make a leap in quality in recent years and compete for important things?

Today, we are facing two paths:

The first, which the United States has followed, is to trace a long-term project focusing on the individual player; sending them to Europe at a young age for very low fees, sacrificing economically, and essentially “abandoning” their league. Because letting go of your talent means a significant absence of local quality in your regular league. Also, being willing to take the risk that short-term results may not be as desired. With that said, it’s clear that this path IS NOT VIABLE in Mexican football.

What remains? To follow in the footsteps of teams like Morocco, who achieved a historic participation in Qatar 2022 based on naturalized players. 14 of the 26 players called up were not born in Moroccan territory, but they decided to defend the red and green shirt and managed to make headlines by reaching the semifinals.

Among the most representative figures of this team is goalkeeper Younes Bounou, born in Canada, Achraf Hakimi born in Spain, Sofyan Amrabat born in the Netherlands, and Sofiane Boufal who was born in France.

It’s true, following this recipe doesn’t guarantee that Mexico will reach the semifinals in the next World Cup, but personally, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to me to make a plan and strategy thinking in this way.

However, I’m talking about a specific and focused plan, not like historically how it has been done in our national team, where naturalized players are only called up in an improvised manner or based on favoritism; a perfect example being Rogelio Funes Mori’s call-up due to the lack of forwards prior to the World Cup.

The situation is not simple; today, thinking of two great talents from Liga MX who could contribute significantly to the national team, Álvaro Fidalgo and Juan Brunetta come to mind. Both are a cut above the rest of the players in our league, and I can assure you that any coach would want them on their team. However, in this case, both have the desire to represent their respective national teams and to move to Europe, which makes it impossible to happen.

This is what I mean about having a project. Yes, there will be those patriots who have the Mexican flag tattooed on their chest and would not want to see their national team filled with players not born in their country, they will be totally against it. But it’s time to take action. And if we have to convince a player to wear the Mexican jersey regardless of their connection or identity with the country, we have to do it. There aren’t many other alternatives to improve the level of the Mexican national team.

A project where you work alongside clubs, where jointly the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and the teams ensure that these types of players stay for several years with a good contract that provides stability in our country. Where from day one they are told that the goal is to see them in the Mexican national team and be part of important projects.

As I read these lines, I am surprised myself, because several years ago I would probably be the last to “recommend” this plan. But after several years as a reporter covering the Mexican national team, it has become clear to me that this path can be a solution.

In Qatar, I witnessed firsthand the thousands of Moroccan fans vibrating and supporting their team. Excited to the point of tears and moved to see their country finally standing out in the world’s most important tournament. The players were giving their all for that jersey and defending the colors of their country with utmost pride. Why should it be any different in Mexico?

Portugal competed in that World Cup with Otávio, Raphael Guerreiro, William Carvhalo, Diogo Costa, and Danilo Pereira, who were not born in Portuguese territory.

Camavinga, Mandanda, and Marcus Thuram did the same but with the French national team.

Ansu Fati and Laporte with Spain.

And so on.

With that said, names like Fidalgo, Brunetta, Nico Ibañez, German Berterame, Tiago Volpi, Unai Bilbao… could very well be part of this immediate plan, as the 2026 World Cup is getting closer.

International matches are over, but now it’s time to experience the excitement of club games and the most important leagues in the world. Enjoy the thrill of sports and place your bet for this match on www.mexplay.mx.

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