Mexican-American defender opens the door to playing for Mexico: ‘I’m ready for what’s next’”

Jonathan Gómez, the Mexican‑American fullback currently playing for Albacete in Spain’s second tier, has confirmed that he’s been in contact with Andrés Lillini, Mexico’s director of youth national teams. The conversations are part of the ongoing evaluation process to determine Gómez’s international future.

The defender made it clear he’s open to representing Mexico at senior level in the coming years, expressing genuine interest in wearing the national team jersey and continuing his development on the international stage.

Who is Jonathan Gómez?

Jonathan Gómez was born on September 1, 2003 in Texas. He came up through the Solar Soccer Club and the FC Dallas Academy before beginning his professional career in the United States. In 2022, he made the jump to Europe, moving from Louisville City to Real Sociedad B—his first step into European soccer.

In April 2022, he earned a call‑up from Gerardo “Tata” Martino for Mexico’s friendly with Guatamala and came on as a sub for the last eight minutes. It remains his only senior appearance with Mexico so far. Since then, Gómez has stayed in Europe, playing consistently, though he has yet to settle permanently with a single club.

His path through Europe

After his stint with Real Sociedad B, Gómez was loaned to Mirandés in 2023. He returned to San Sebastián in 2024, was sold to PAOK in Greece, and then loaned again—this time to Albacete. This season, he’s been a steady presence, appearing in 17 league matches and three Copa del Rey games. His loan runs through June 2026, when his long‑term future will finally be decided.

Between 2024 and 2025, rumors circulated that Gómez might join Chivas, given his Mexican nationality and the ups and downs of his European journey. But nothing ever materialized, and the speculation eventually faded.

Lillini and Obed Vargas

Gómez also praised Andrés Lillini’s work with Obed Vargas, the young midfielder whom Lillini personally convinced to commit to Mexico.

“I never doubted his ability. Seeing him take this next step is great for him, and it makes us really happy because I was part of that process,” Gómez said.

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