Introduction
Mexico may not have met the expectations of their past landslide victories, but they emerged as the team that took the most shots (84) during the Gold Cup, made the most successful passes (3,221, 87%), and maintained a clean sheet for 387 minutes.
The Indomitable Raúl Jiménez
Raúl Jiménez, at 34, stands as Mexico’s leading figure. He embodies hope for goals and is an unyielding force in the final third. Unlike traditional number nines, Jiménez frequently drops deep to receive the ball and link play.
- Jiménez scored three crucial goals during the Gold Cup: against the Dominican Republic, in the semifinal versus Honduras, and in the comeback against the USA in the final.
- His goal against Honduras marked Mexico’s 1,000th official goal.
- With 42 goals for Mexico, Jiménez trails only Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández (52) in the team’s all-time scoring list.
The Tenacious Edson Álvarez
Edson Álvarez, 27, was awarded the Golden Ball for being the tournament’s best player. Though not technically gifted, Álvarez perfectly embodies the bravery and audacity demanded by coach Javier Aguirre.
- Álvarez scored Mexico’s opening goal and the match-winning goal in the final against the US.
- He was a dominant force in ball recovery and a threat from set-pieces.
- Argentine analyst Jorge Zamogilny praised Álvarez’s determination, stating that he “doesn’t shy away from any ball and covers a lot of ground.”
- Zamogilny believes Álvarez complements Marcel Ruiz and Gilberto Mora well, as they can handle the ball effectively.
The Prodigious Gilberto Mora
At 16 years and 257 days, Gilberto Mora became the youngest player to debut in an official Mexico match during the quarterfinal against Saudi Arabia.
- Despite his small stature (1.68m, 62kg), Mora fearlessly competed against taller opponents.
- He filled in for the injured Luis Chávez and the absent Carlos Rodríguez, showcasing his skill and precision in ball control.
- Mora’s performance in the semifinal against Honduras, providing an assist for Jiménez’s goal, solidified his role as a key playmaker.
- By winning the Gold Cup at 16 years and 265 days, Mora surpassed Pelé (17 years, 249 days in the 1958 World Cup) and Lamine Yamal (17 years, 1 day in the 2024 Eurocup) as the youngest to win a tournament with national teams.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are Jiménez, Álvarez, and Mora? They are key players in the Mexican national team that won the 2025 Gold Cup.
- What makes Raúl Jiménez important? At 34, he is Mexico’s leading scorer with 42 goals and provides crucial contributions beyond just scoring.
- Why is Edson Álvarez significant? Despite not being technically gifted, his determination and bravery make him an indispensable part of the team.
- What is Gilberto Mora’s relevance? At 16, he became the youngest player to debut for Mexico and showcased his potential as a playmaker, surpassing even Pelé’s record.
