Mexico’s All-time Bundesliga Stars
We take a look back at Mexico’s best players to ever set foot in Germany’s most prestigious tournament in honor of the return of the Bundesliga this weekend.
Nearly after two months of being postponed, the Bundesliga kicks off this Saturday, May 16th, with five simultaneous games, one of them being the Revierderby featuring Borussia Dortmund facing off Schalke 04. A great match to celebrate the league’s return.
Over the years, many players have participated in this tournament, including our beloved Aztecas. We take a look at, considerably, the best Mexican players that had the opportunity to bring their talents to the German Bundesliga. These players knew what it meant to represent their clubs, game in, and game out.
5) Carlos Salcedo
Initially, on a loan spell with Eintracht Frankfurt, Carlos Salcedo joined The Eagles in June 2017 with an option to buy. Salcedo quickly gained consistent minutes with the German side, eventually leading him for nomination to be part of the Bundesliga 2017/2018 Team of the season. His regular performances lead Frankfurt to make the buy option valid in 2018.
Salcedo’s unfortunate injuries set him back a few steps to show more of his abilities. Salcedo moved to Tigres in January 2019. During his time for the Eagles, Salcedo played a total of 32 games. By fans, he is considered one of the best rising stars within the club. During his time there, he achieved the DFB-Pokal, where Eintracht Frankfurt beat Bayern Munich 3-1. This game was also unique to celebrate it alongside Marco Fabian.
4) Marco Fabian
Another Chivas prodigy sent out to European soccer and made a name for himself among the German fans. His vision and deadly finishing made him a start at Eintracht Frankfurt. Fabian arrived at Eintracht Frankfurt in the winter transfer in 2016, coming from Chivas. Fabian had a lot to prove to be one of the starting forwards for the Eagles. In three years, Fabian managed to represent the Eagles a total of 50 times scoring eight goals and providing seven assists. Like his Mexican comrade.
Fabian played 65 minutes in his team’s victory over Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal Final. His best goal for Eintracht Frankfurt was against Borussia Dortmund in the 26th matchday of the 2016/17 Bundesliga season, where he took a shot outside the box where the ball made a gentle curve that made his shot unstoppable for the German goalkeeper.
3) Francisco Javier “Maza” Rodriguez
On July 14, 2011, Maza Rodriguez made a move to German soccer after his marvelous performances with the Dutch side PSV. Maza Rodriguez signed for VfB Stuttgart, where he quickly won a starting spot in the center of defense for Stuttgart. During his 50 appearances for the Germans, Rodriguez scored two goals where his first goal came in 2-2 draw on the road against 1. FC Nuremberg. his second goal came in the last matchday of the 2011/12 Bundesliga season in a 3-2 win at home against Wolfsburg.
Following his year and a half stay in Germany, Rodriguez moved to Club America in the 2013 winter transfer. Since his departure, no other Mexican International has signed with the club, previous to Rodriguez joining Stuttgart two Mexican legends consolidated themselves with the German side.
2) Pável Pardo
After an outstanding 2006 World Cup edition in Germany, Pavel made his stay in Germany just a bit longer. Having signed with VfB Stuttgart, the now-retired Mexican international made sure his visit was not in vain. In his first season with Stuttgart, Pardo was named the fifth-best player of the 2006/07 Bundesliga Season the same season where he won his only piece of silverware. Pardo was one of the main pillars for his team’s successful campaign, where they were crowned Bundesliga champs. Pardo stayed a total of two and a half years, where he capped a total of 94 games, scoring six goals and providing 17 assists.
1) Ricardo Osorio
Like his Mexican comrade and outstanding performances in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ricardo Osorio signed a four-year deal with VfB Stuttgart. Being a pillar in the defensive lineup, Osorio was a consistent starter and proved to be an excellent signing for the club. After four years, 101 appearances for the Germans, Osorio returned to Mexico, representing Monterrey. During his time with Stuttgart, alongside Pável Pardo won the 2006/07 Bundesliga season by a two-point margin away from Schalke 04. Stuttgart, accumulating 70 points in the whole season. Osorio managed to score a single goal with Stuttgart and provided seven assists.
Next. John Obi Mikel to Liga MX?. dark
A total of eight players have set foot in the Bundesliga. Although some had better experiences than others, they all had good games, bad games, and, lastly unforgettable moments that they cherish for the rest of their lives. Who do you think should be in this list of Mexican All-stars?