The dream comes true: Santiago Sandoval makes his debut with Chivas | OneFootball

A dream come true! Santiago Sandoval, a striker trained in our Cantera Rojiblanca, experienced one of the most special moments of his life on July 19, 2025, when he made his First Division debut with Chivas in Matchday 2 of the 2025 Apertura against León. With his emotions running high and his heart beating a mile a minute, 'Santi' stepped onto the field as a professional for the first time, taking that first big step that every Chivahermano dreams of since childhood.

After completing the entire preseason with Guadalajara, Santiago Sandoval had the opportunity to make his debut in the top flight when he came on as a substitute in the 87th minute of the match against the Panzas Verdes. The number 226 took José Castillo's place and positioned himself as an inside midfielder, very close to the opponent's area, and although he was on the field for only a short time, Sandoval touched the ball four times and completed three passes. He also attempted a shot, which was blocked by the home team's defense.

The talented youngster from Rebaño is 17 years old, was born in Veracruz, and plays as a winger on both sides and also as an attacking midfielder, thanks to his agility, outstanding ball control, and skilled left foot.

He began his journey in the Rebaño youth teams with the U14s in 2022 and has since climbed through the different categories of the Rojiblanca youth academy. In the previous tournament, he played for the U17s and U19s, with whom he played 21 games and scored six goals.

Seeing one of our own make it to the first team always fills us with pride. Behind that moment are years of effort, training, sacrifice, and love for these colors. Santiago Sandoval's debut is not only a personal victory, but also a collective triumph for the Rojiblanca youth academy, Guadalajara, and everyone who believes in young talent.