Introduction
Only 12 Mexican footballers have reached the Premier League, with just three staying for two or more seasons. The main challenge lies in the fact that it’s not a league for experimentation.
Raúl Jiménez’s Impact
Raúl Jiménez, a 34-year-old striker, scored a penalty for Fulham’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the final match of the 2025-26 Premier League’s Jornada 17. This goal is significant as it marks Jiménez as the sole Mexican player to score in any of Europe’s top five leagues just before Christmas 2025.
Fulham, currently in 13th place and not a contender for the Premier League title or continental qualification, holds a special place in Jiménez’s career for allowing him to continue playing in what is considered the world’s top competition after suffering a skull fracture in 2020 while playing for Wolverhampton. At the time, Wolverhampton was aiming for mid-table finishes despite Jiménez’s past with top Spanish and Portuguese clubs, Atlético de Madrid and Benfica.
The Premier League demands high quality and mental fortitude, not serving as an experimental ground for players born outside Europe. Even after years spent in other European territories, the league’s rigorous standards persist.
Mexican Presence in Premier League
Despite its multicultural reputation, the Premier League is demanding and challenging. Historically, players needed a certain number of appearances for their national team to be eligible to sign with Premier League clubs.
For Mexico, a country not known for exporting many footballers, the Premier League remains a steep climb. Only 12 Mexican players have joined its clubs, with just three lasting two or more seasons. These include Raúl Jiménez, Edson Álvarez (West Ham, 2023-2025), and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández (Manchester United, 2010-2014; West Ham, 2017-2019).
“‘Chicharito’s journey paved the way for Mexicans in the Premier League, similar to Jared Borgetti and Guillermo Franco,” explains Majo González, a Premier League and Champions League narrator for TNT Sports and HBO Max, in an interview with El Economista.
“I hope more Mexicans can make it there; the key is leaving Liga MX at the right time to develop physically and mentally before transitioning to the Premier League,” she adds.
Pathway to Premier League
Jared Borgetti was the first Mexican in the Premier League 20 years ago, signing with Bolton in the 2005-06 season after establishing himself in the national team and a notable Copa Confederaciones performance.
Similarly, ‘Chicharito’ joined Manchester United. He had only played for Chivas and was under 23 when he participated in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa shortly after his transfer to the Premier League.
The remaining 10 Mexican players reached the Premier League after playing for other European clubs: Nery Castillo, Carlos Vela, Giovani Dos Santos, Guillermo Franco, Carlos Salcido, Pablo Barrera, Miguel Layún, Raúl Jiménez, Edson Álvarez, and Julián Araujo.
“Sometimes we wonder how someone like Gilberto Mora can make it, but the solution is to create a market so Premier League clubs look towards Mexican talent,” asserts Majo González.
“If they come for Mora and ask for 16 million when in Ecuador, a player of his caliber goes for just 1 million and is developed there, they stop looking at Mexican football because it’s deemed too expensive or lacking talent. The issue is that players leave too late for further development, which isn’t the case with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina,” she explains.
Currently, only two Mexican players are active in the Premier League: Raúl Jiménez (Fulham) and Julián Araujo (Bournemouth). Edson Álvarez was loaned to Fenerbahce in Turkey from West Ham this summer.
Physical vs. Mental Approach
David Silva, a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010 and former Manchester City player (2010-2020), responds to a query about the formula for Mexican success in the English league despite lacking height and strength:
“The English league is very physical and fast-paced, but you also need to be smart,” Silva tells the interviewer. With his 1.70m stature, he emphasizes understanding one’s strengths and exploiting them.
Interestingly, eight of the 12 Mexican Premier League players are forwards. Jiménez leads with 62 goals, including his recent strike against Nottingham Forest, followed by ‘Chicharito’ with 53.
The Premier League features players from all continents, not adhering to stereotypes of height and strength but rather skill.
“If you lack physical attributes, learn to read the game. Anticipate your teammates’ movements,” advises Majo González, citing David Silva’s ability to set up his teammates as an example. “The Premier League’s quick pace and pressure help develop intelligence in players. If physical attributes are lacking, other skills must be developed.”
Beyond this, she stresses the importance of Mexican football expanding, even to lower-tier leagues.
“Mexican talent must become visible to these formative and elite leagues. The Premier League invests heavily and carefully cultivates its product, providing players security, quality competition, and a significant platform to enter European competitions like the Champions League,” she concludes.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How many Mexican players have played in the Premier League?
- Q: What challenges do Mexican players face in the Premier League?
- Q: Who are some notable Mexican players in the Premier League?
- Q: What qualities are essential for Mexican players to succeed in the Premier League?
- Q: How can Mexican football improve its representation in the Premier League?
A: Only 12 Mexican players have played in the Premier League.
A: The league’s high standards, demanding physicality, and mental fortitude present significant challenges for Mexican players.
A: Raúl Jiménez, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, and Edson Álvarez are some prominent Mexican players who have featured in the Premier League.
A: Understanding one’s strengths and exploiting them, along with mental acuity, are crucial for Mexican players to thrive in the Premier League.
A: Creating a visible market for Premier League clubs to scout Mexican talent and ensuring players leave Liga MX at the right time for development are key steps.
