Mexico’s Quest for a Second Gold in 2025
The Mexican national football team is on a mission to secure its second title in 2025. In March, they clinched the Liga de Naciones de Concacaf for the first time in their history, and this week they are competing in the semifinals of the Gold Cup for their tenth star.
While most attention often focuses on the forwards and their mistakes, a crucial area has emerged as a pillar of ascension: the defense.
Javier Aguirre’s Impact on Mexico’s Defense
Since September 2024, Javier Aguirre has been at the helm of the Mexican national team, and they are experiencing their best defensive performance in the last decade. With an average of 0.81 goals conceded per game, the team has allowed only 13 goals in 16 matches against both friendly and official opponents.
Claudio Suárez, a former Mexican defender who played in three World Cups (USA 1994, France 1998, and Germany 2006), shared his thoughts with El Economista:
“The reality is that in the first game of Copa Oro, the defense did not look good because they committed errors, and I believe it was due to the lack of constant play together, that understanding and coordination required, especially among the central defenders, Johan Vásquez and César Montes. However, they now appear more solid.”
Defensive Performance Comparison
In the last decade, Mexico has had eight coaches. Before Aguirre, Juan Carlos Osorio had the best average between 2015 and 2018, at 0.88. Ricardo Ferretti had the worst, averaging 1.9 during his interim periods between 2015 and 2018.
Aguirre has left the net undefeated in 10 out of his 16 games with the Mexican national team, including matches against Turkey, the United States, and Inter de Porto Alegre. In Copa Oro, he has played three consecutive games without conceding a goal: against Suriname and Costa Rica in the group stage, and Arabia Saudita in the quarterfinals. Mexico will face Honduras in the semifinals on Wednesday, July 2nd.
The European Contribution
Despite the progress, there have been defensive lapses. In Copa Oro’s opening match against República Dominicana (FIFA ranking 139), they conceded two goals. Just days before, in a friendly, Switzerland scored four against them.
“I believe they have improved, but opponents haven’t put much pressure on them. For example, against Arabia Saudita, even their coach mentioned that Mexico was superior,” Suárez added.
Key Defenders in the Squad
Javier Aguirre has eight defenders among his 26 called-up players (30%), including central and lateral defenders: Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Israel Reyes, Jesús Orozco Chiquete, Julián Araujo, Jesús Gallardo, and Mateo Chávez. Captain Edson Álvarez and Érik Lira, who usually play as midfielders, can also contribute at the back.
Among those playing in Europe are Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Vásquez (Genoa, Italy), Araujo (Bournemouth, England), and Chávez (recently signed by AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands).
European Defenders’ Impact
“Johan and Montes are very strong… The most important thing is to defend, and they practically started together at Monterrey. That coordination and understanding is crucial, especially seeing Johan as a bit more advanced in leadership,” Suárez explained.
Vásquez, 26, moved to Europe in 2021 and has since been a prominent defender in international football, particularly in the Italian Serie A. His market value has risen from 4 to 14 million euros in the past year and a half while playing for Genoa, according to Transfermarkt.
Monterrey launched both Vásquez and Montes’s professional careers in Liga MX (Vásquez in 2019 and Montes in 2015). The ‘Cachorro’ (Montes) is now 28 and has played in Spain and Russia, reaching a maximum market value of 8 million euros, though it’s currently at 4.5.
“They have gained a lot of experience, especially Johan, whom I follow in the Italian league. You see his effort and learning, and it’s essential to acknowledge the trainers in Mexico for developing these qualities. The resilience and determination of the Mexican defender are crucial, and I’ve heard this from many people abroad,” Suárez concluded.
Mexico’s Defensive Statistics in Copa Oro 2025
- Most clean sheets (3) among all teams
- Luis Malagón has the most saves (4) by a goalkeeper
- Tied with Canada for the fewest goals conceded (2) so far
Mexico’s Export of Defenders to Europe
In recent years, Mexico has been a significant exporter of defenders to Europe, including Rafael Márquez, Héctor Moreno, Diego Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Carlos Salcido, Ricardo Osorio, Francisco ‘Maza’ Rodríguez, Carlos Salcedo, Miguel Layún, Julián Araujo, Rodrigo Huescas, Mateo Chávez, and Edson Álvarez, who debuted as a defender.
Semifinal Match Details
Mexico vs Honduras
- Date: Wednesday, July 2nd
- Time: 8:00 PM CDMX (Central Time)
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, USA
- Broadcast: Canal 5, TUDN, and ViX
