Ranking the Top 15 Mexican Football Players | All time

Mexico is one of the nations that has produced some of the most talented and gifted footballers seen in the history of football. Mexican players have enjoyed success at global levels, regardless of whether they compete on domestic circuits or in major international tournaments. Hugo Sanchez, for example, is one of the names that will not be forgotten in the history of Real Madrid, but there are many other names from Mexico that have etched their names into the records.

Mexican football players have often been noted for their technical skills, creativity, impressive vision, passion and hunger for success and greatness and this list highlights 15 of the best Mexican football players of all time.

List of Top 15 Mexican Football Players of All Time

15. Enrique Borja

While the current generation of fans might not be able to relate to Enrique Borja, he holds a significant place in Mexican history. With 31 goals to his name, Enrique Borja is Mexico’s seventh all-time goalscorer with 65 caps. He has represented his country in two World Cup campaigns and scored one goal at the 1966 World Cup. During his professional career, he was the top goalscorer in the Mexican league three times. He is considered one of the finest Mexican football players of all time.

14. Claudio Suarez

With 178 caps to his name, Claudio Suarez is Mexico’s second most-capped player after Andres Guardado. His strong physicality and fast, skilful playing style made him a popular player during his playing days. Over the course of his professional career, he has made more than 550 club appearances and scored 53 goals. He has represented his nation at three World Cup campaigns.

13. Luis Garcia

The name Luis Garcia is familiar to Liverpool and Atletico Madrid fans alike. With 77 caps for Mexico, the midfield magician scored 28 goals. His most notable stint was with Atletico Madrid in Spain where he played 58 games and scored 28 goals. In his professional club career, he scored over 184 goals, making him one of the best Mexican football players of all time.

12. Carlos Hermosillo

Known as El Grandote de Cerro Azul, Carlos Hermosillo has 34 goals to his name and is the fifth most prolific Mexican goalscorer. In his career, he played for many clubs including America, Cruz Azul, LA Galaxy, Guadalajara, and more. He has played over 537 times in his club career and scored 309 goals in that time period, making him one of the greatest Mexican football players ever.

11. Salvador Reyes

A Mexican hero, Salvador Reyes won seven championships with Chivas de Guadalajara and scored 122 goals, making him the rarest Mexican player to accomplish that. His first championship came in 1957, and he was unstoppable afterward. In addition to 49 caps, he scored 14 goals for Mexico, making him one of the greatest players in Mexican history.

10. Carlos Vela

There is no doubt that Carlos Vela is one of Mexico’s best-gifted players. His career started with the likes of Arsenal, Celta Vigo, Salamanca, Osasuna, West Bromwich Albion, Real Sociedad, but Los Angeles FC gave him the much-deserved stature where he realised his potential. With 93 goals and 43 assists, Vela holds the rarest of accomplishments in MLS. His career to date has seen him make over 472 appearances and score over 160 goals for the clubs.

9. Luis Hernandez

Luis Hernandez was known for his incredibly quick and strong legs. He was very hard for defenders to steal or defend repeatedly. He is the fourth all-time goalscorer in Mexico’s football history with 35 goals to his name. He is considered one of the best Mexican football players of all time.

8. Jared Borgetti

It is enough to explain his inclusion in the list that Jared Borgetti has played for clubs like Atlas, Santos Laguna, Dorados, Pachuca, Bolton Wanderers, Al-Ittihad, Cruz Azul, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Puebla, Morelia, and Leon as well as scored more than 271 club goals during his professional career. He is also the all-time leading goalscorer in Mexican football history with 46 goals to his name in 89 caps for Mexico.

7. Andres Guardado

Andres Guardado holds the record for most appearances for Mexico with 180 caps to his name. Having made his debut for Mexico in 2005, he recently announced his retirement in 2024. With his playmaking abilities, one-on-one challenges against defenders, and accurate crosses, he possesses a rare pedigree produced by Mexico. His 28 goals for his nation have made him one of the greatest Mexican football players of all time.

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6. Guillermo Ochoa

Every football fan in today’s generation knows the name Guillermo Ochoa, also known as Memo Ochoa. Having played more than 150 times for Mexico, he ranks third in the race for most appearances. His senior club debut was with Tigrillos UANL Coapa in 2003, and he made his national team debut in 2005. He has represented his country at two FIFA Confederations Cups, two Olympic tournaments, two Copa Americas, five CONCACAF Gold Cups, and five FIFA World Cups.

5. Jorge Campos

As a goalkeeper, Jorge Campos is considered one of the greatest Mexican footballers of all time. He was known for his long reach, tricky, and flamboyant style of keeping. He scored 35 goals in 445 club appearances.

4. Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernandez commonly known as Chicharito is a cult figure in Mexican football and the only Mexican player to play for both Manchester United and Real Madrid. Technical skills, speed, and finishing make him stand out. With 52 goals, he holds the record for the most goals scored by Mexico on the international stage. Three World Cups, one CONCACAF Gold Cup, two FIFA Confederations Cups, and one Copa America Centenario have been won by his nation.

3. Cuauhtemoc Blanco

There is no doubt that Cuauhtemoc Blanco is one of the greatest players in Mexican football history. With 39 goals to his name, he holds the record for the second-highest goalscorer in the history of the game. Blanco earned 121 caps for his nation and scored 38 goals. He has also represented Mexico in three World Cup campaigns and scored three times.

2. Rafael Marquez

Rafael Marquez is often regarded as one of the best defenders in Mexico’s history and also one of the greatest Mexican football players of all time. He has played for Barcelona from 2003 to 2010 appearing in 163 games and scoring 9 goals, He earned 147 caps for Mexico and netted 17 goals at the international stage.

1. Hugo Sanchez

Hugo Sanchez is without a doubt the best Mexican player of all time. He holds the record for scoring the most goals in Europe by Mexican football players. The fact that Hugo Sanchez spent seven years with Real Madrid alongside some of the best players of his time and stood out among them speaks volumes about his aura. He won 5 La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and 3 Supercopas de Espana with Real Madrid. He represented his nation in three World Cup campaigns and finished his career with 29 goals to his name.

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