Mexican club team Toluca has produced numerous players that have stood out throughout the teams history but recently a midfielder player not only conquered on the field but reached a high level in the Liga MX.
The naturalized Mexican player, Antonio Naelson is also known as “Sinha”, has been one of the top talented “extranjeros” that made an impactful not only for the club teams he participated, Monterrey, Toluca, Queretaro, and with various club teams in the Liga MX but also participated with the national team of Mexico. Sinha’s career in Mexico started in 1998 as he first steps foot with Rayados de Monterrey where it was a brief instance than quickly in 1999 Sinha joined Toluca where his abilities sprouted for over 18 years.
During his time with Toluca, Sinha played over 20,000 minutes scoring 74 goals in 584 games in all competitions that led him to be named captain of the team for various years. Not only was that a highlight for Sinha but as well the visionary midfielder participated with the national team of Mexico in various tournaments in a span of nine years. Naelson biggest accomplishment was being able to play with El Tri in the 2006 World Cup scoring a goal in the tournament and being avid helped on the field for the team if it was either being in the starting 11 or coming in as a substitute player.
It is safe to say that Sinha’s resume has a large number of accolades as the talented midfielder won various trophies throughout his time in Mexico. A total of five Liga MX champions with Toluca, two Campeon de Campeones, and one CONCACAF Champions with Toluca along with being named the top player on two different occasions, Apertura 2008 and the Bicentenario 2010.
After retiring in 2017 Sinha became the sporting director for Toluca in 2019 where he continues to make Toluca a top competitive club team in the Liga MX. Surely we all can say that Sinha has been one of the top players that came to Mexico and conquered not only accolades but also won many the hearts and support of the fans with the demonstration of his abilities on the field.
Could we rank Sinha as the top 10 “extranjeros” to ever step foot in the Liga MX, I am sure there will not be a debate that the midfielder to be in that category.
Check out some of Sinha’s highlights.