Mexico has a long-standing tradition of producing world-class footballers. From Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) and Jorge Campos to Rafael Marquez and Hugo Sanchez, the list goes on. But now they’re looking to the future generation to bring the country success. Below we look at the best young Mexican players in FIFA 21.
Looking for the best young Mexican soccer players in FIFA 22? Check them out here.
Best Mexican Wonderkids in FIFA 21:
5. Eugenio Puga (Lille: CDM)
A combative defensive midfielder Eugenio Puga joined French side Lille from Pachuca in the summer of 2020. Rated 59 overall, the teenager has 82 potential, meaning there’s plenty of room for improvement in all aspects of his game.
Aged 18 Pizzuto has the building blocks to become an accomplished CDM with 67 short passing, 63 aggression and 62 tackling. At just €2 million the Mexican could prove to be a shrewd bit of business in career mode.
4. Marcel Ruiz (Club Tijuana: CM)
Already an established midfielder Marcel Ruiz continues to ply his trade in Mexico with Tijuana. A box to box type, Ruiz has great athleticism with 76 stamina and 72 balance. On the ball, he can pick a pass with short and long passing statistics of 75 and vision 73. And when needed, he has the ability to beat his man with 71 dribbling and 75 ball control.
Ruiz is currently rated 72 with an 82 potential, providing outstanding value you for money with a release clause of just €9.5 million.
3. Santiago Giménez (Cruz Azul: ST, CF)
Standing 6ft tall Santiago Giménez’s biggest asset is his strength. A 78 rating in FIFA 21 allows him to outmuscle and bully opposing defenders with ease. But he’s more than just a lump up top. The Cruz Azul centre forward has an eye for goal too with 71 finishing and 74 penalties. Currently rated 65 overall with an 83 potential Giménez has all the makings to become an established striker.
Work needs to be done on his all-round game, with short passing, ball control and vision all lower than 70. But at €4.4 million the 19-year-old is excellent value for money in FIFA 21 career mode.
2. Diego Leyva (Real Betis: RM, CM, CAM)
Still looking to nail down a spot in the Real Betis starting eleven 20-year-old Diego Levya is well equipped to become a Mexican sensation. Rated 72 overall and a potential of 83 Levya is best deployed as a right midfielder but can also play centrally as CM or CAM.
Naturally left-footed Levya has four-star skill moves and 80 dribbling. Add to that 86 acceleration, 87 agility and 91 balance, and he’s an absolute nightmare to defend against one on one.
1. José Macías (Guadalajara: ST)
Mexico‘s hottest prospect in FIFA 21 José Macías has an overall rating of 75 and 84 potential. Still at boyhood club Guadalajara it’s surely only a matter of time before one of Europe’s top dogs come knocking. And with good reason. He’s deadly in the box with 79 finishing and 74 heading accuracy making his €23.8 million release clause in career mode an absolute bargain.
With 76 ball control and 72 passing Macías can hold up the ball and bring others into play. The 20-year-old is already an accomplished dribbler too. And although he’s not blessed with blistering pace, he’s no slouch with 73 sprint speed and acceleration.
Mexico’s pool of players is much smaller than many of their rival nations. Nonetheless, they still have a solid crop of youngsters to nurture over the coming years. The majority will go under the radar, but if they continue to develop as predicted El Tri will have a talented squad. One that should not be underestimated.
