Who’s the all-time greatest Mexican footballer? | OneFootball

There’s two legends in Mexican football that spark the debate among fans: who’s the greatest player in Mexico’s history? Hugo Sánchez or Rafael Márquez?

When talking about Mexican football history, those two names have to be mentioned. They left their mark in two different eras and inspired countless generations of young Mexican players dreaming of achieving what they achieved.

Hugo’s prime was in the 80s as Real Madrid’s top striker. He made his professional debut as a teenager with Pumas UNAM in Liga MX in the 70s. Pumas were considered to have the most important youth system in Mexico at the time. Sánchez started his European career with Atlético Madrid before being transferred to one of the two Spanish giants.

In his latter days in professional football, he played in clubs in Mexico, back in Europe, and in MLS.

While Rafa’s prime was during the first decade of this century as a centre-back for Barcelona. He made his professional debut as a teenager with Atlas in Liga MX in the 90s. Atlas were considered to have the most important youth system in Mexico at the time. Márquez started his European career with Monaco before being transferred to one of the two Spanish giants.

In his latter days in professional football, he played in clubs in Mexico, back in Europe, and in MLS.

We took a look at their major achievements, it’s up to you to decide which legendary profile will fit your definition of the greatest ever in Mexico.

Rafa Márquez

Mexican National Team

142 games played, 17 goals scored.

Captained ‘El Tri’ in four World Cups.

Scored a World Cup goal in three different editions of the tournament.

Won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1999.

If he plays in Russia 2018, he’ll be the third player ever to play in five World Cups along with Antonio Carbajal and Lothar Matthäus.

Barcelona

242 games played, 17 goals scored and a total of 18,143 minutes wearing the Catalan club shirt.

Won 12 trophies – including two Champions Leagues, only Mexican player to ever win UEFA’s premier tournament.

Hugo Sánchez

Mexican National Team

58 games played, 29 goals scored.

Played in three World Cups and scored once.

Captained ‘El Tri’ during their first Copa América appearance in which they ended as the runner-ups in 1993.

Real Madrid

283 games played, 208 goals scored.

Won 10 trophies – including five consecutive editions of La Liga.

Won five Pichichi Trophies (one with Atlético), and one Golden Boot.

At the time of his retirement, only Telmo Zarra had more La Liga goals than him. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have now taken over the first and second spot, respectively.