As perennial qualifiers for the World Cup, Mexico may wonder how they have failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals of the competition in their 14 attempts. The dominant giants of the CONCACAF region, El Tri have been unable to make as big a splash on the grandest stage.
They have, however, hosted two of the most memorable World Cup tournaments in history – in 1970 and 1986 – reaching the last eight on both occasions. They were also involved in the very first World Cup fixture, losing 4-1 to France on July 13, 1930.
10. Luis Hernandez
Towards the end of the 1990s, Luis Hernandez could be counted upon to do the business for Mexico in the biggest games. He topped the scoring charts with six goals at the 1997 Copa America, while one year later he added four more at the World Cup in France.
He remains Mexico’s highest-ever scorer at the World Cup, while his overall tally of 35 goals for his country makes him the joint third-highest scorer in their history.
9. Jared Borgetti
Bolton Wanderers fans may struggle to believe it, but Jared Borgetti forged a formidable reputation as a clinical striker throughout his 11-year international career. His move to the Reebok Stadium in 2005 made him the first Mexican in English football, but he only managed seven goals in his 32 appearances for the Trotters.
The brief spell in Lancashire came in the latter stages of his career, however, by which point he had already become the highest goalscorer in the history of Mexican side Santos Laguna.
8. Claudio Suarez
When it comes to international experience, only one man in the history of football can top Claudio Suarez. The defender’s mammoth haul of 178 caps is second only to Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan, who amassed a whopping 184 between 1995 and 2012.
Unsurprisingly, such a long international career saw him play a major role in Mexico’s success during that period as he helped the team to three Gold Cup titles – in 1993, 1996 and 1998 – as well as the 1999 Confederations Cup.
7. Luis de la Fuente
Compared to Suarez’s haul above, Luis de la Fuente’s tally of just nine international caps looks like a rather measly one. However, the midfielder left an indelible mark on Mexican football history, so much so that a stadium was named after him in his home town of Veracruz.
Renowned as a complete player with two good feet, impeccable technique and natural athleticism, Fuente became the first Mexican player to play in four different countries, including an impressive stint in La Liga that only came to an end due to the Spanish Civil War.
6. Horacio Casarin
Another player with relatively few caps compared to others on this list, Horacio Casarin also endeared himself to the Mexican public during the 1940s and ’50s. Like Fuente, Casarin spent a small part of his career in Spain, turning out for Catalan giants Barcelona.
During a spell with Necaxa in 1939, Casarin was subjected to merciless physical abuse during a match against Asturias, eventually being forced to leave the pitch after just 20 minutes.
5. Antonio Carbajal
It is fair to say that Antonio Carbajal had a baptism of fire on the international stage. His debut for Mexico came in the opening match of the 1950 World Cup as hosts Brazil ran riot with a 4-0 win at the Maracana.
He was still tending El Tri’s goal 12 years later as Mexico won their first ever World Cup match, however, and in 1966 he became the first player in history to appear in five different World Cup tournaments.
4. Jorge Campos
Just edging out his compatriot to the title of the greatest goalkeeper in Mexico’s history is Jorge Campos, whose eccentric style and flamboyant kits made him an easily-recognisable figure in between the sticks.
Campos was relatively short for a goalkeeper, standing at just 5’6″, but his athleticism more than made up for his stature and enabled him to make some remarkable saves.
3. Cuauhtemoc Blanco
Still playing at the age of 41, Cuauhtemoc Blanco was perhaps the most important member of Mexico’s 1999 Confederations Cup-winning side. He scored six goals in that tournament – including the winner against Brazil in the final – finishing as joint-top scorer and being awarded the Silver Ball, making him the only Mexican player with an individual award in a major FIFA competition.
Only Ronaldinho was deemed better than him in that tournament, and the Brazilian star is also the only man who can match Blanco’s record of nine Confederations Cup goals overall.
2. Rafael Marquez
Now aged 35, Rafael Marquez will lead Mexico out in this summer’s World Cup for what will be his fourth taste of the finals. He already has a hefty 118 caps to his name in a 17-year international career that includes success in the 1999 Confederations Cup and two Gold Cup crowns.
It was at club level that the defender came to worldwide acclaim, however, enjoying distinguished spells with Monaco and Barcelona in particular.
1. Hugo Sanchez
After a successful stint in his native country, Sanchez was snapped up by Atletico Madrid and soon began establishing himself as La Liga’s top goalscorer.
That was a reputation he solidified having made the short move across the city to Real Madrid, where he enjoyed the greatest years of his career. The striker won the Pichichi trophy – awarded to La Liga’s highest scorer – four years in a row, becoming the only player in the league’s history to achieve that feat without sharing the award.