A Mexican Legend Takes Flight
Who is the greatest Mexican footballer of all time? For most, especially older fans, the answer is a resounding – Hugo Sánchez! This legendary attacker was not only named Mexico’s Athlete and Footballer of the 20th Century, but also Central and North America’s finest. He secured a place on Pelé’s prestigious list of the 100 greatest footballers in 2004, and continues to be featured in various rankings even today.
Sánchez’s journey began at UNAM Pumas, where he quickly caught the eye of European scouts. Opting for Spain due to the language barrier, he landed at Atlético Madrid. His debut season was nothing short of sensational, solidifying his position as a central attacking force. After five successful seasons with “Los Colchoneros” (The Mattress Makers), he made a move to their city rivals, the mighty Real Madrid.
A Superstar in White: Dominating La Liga
Donning the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid, Sánchez cemented his status as a global football star. While the 80s saw European football dominated by English and Italian teams, Sánchez’s achievements at the club level were undeniable. He claimed the prestigious “Pichichi” trophy for top scorer in La Liga a staggering five times! His goalscoring prowess even placed him second in La Liga’s all-time top scorers’ ranking, and first among all foreign players – a position he held for over two decades (currently sitting at 5th, behind Messi, Suárez, Ronaldo, and Benzema).
National Team Woes: Beyond Statistics
Despite his prolific club career, Sánchez’s international career with Mexico seems like a missed opportunity. He participated in three World Cups (1978, 1986, and 1994), but only managed 58 appearances over a 20-year period. He attributed this to coaches’ preference for selecting players primarily from the domestic league.
Retirement and Beyond: A Legacy Secured
Sánchez hung up his boots at the age of 39, his last stop being his native Atlético Celaya – a club known for gathering aging world stars like Butragueño, Schuster, and Alemao. Following his playing career, he transitioned into the roles of commentator in his homeland and manager.
Recently, his former Atlético teammate Cano publicly criticized Sánchez, portraying him as a hothead who distanced himself from the team and struggled to build friendships, ultimately departing for their biggest rivals without hesitation. Sánchez’s response was sharp: “I was brought in to score goals, not to befriend players for bar crawls! I was paid for that, and I did it well. I left Atlético primarily for money, and secondly because Real Madrid wanted me! Real Madrid!”
Hugo Sánchez’s inclusion in PES’s La Liga Legends and FIFA’s Ultimate Team Legends in 2020 further solidified his legendary status. As he celebrates his 65th birthday tomorrow, July 11th, one thing remains clear: Hugo Sánchez is not just an icon for a single team, but a legend who belongs to the very fabric of football itself.