Which players have been naturalized to play for Mexico?
Julián Quiñones will join Rogelio Funes Mori, Leandro Augusto and Damián Álvarez, among other national team players who were born outside of Mexico .
Julián Quiñones has been the centre of discussion surrounding Mexico’s national team in recent days. The América striker has chosen to play for the Tri and will join a select list of naturalized players who have represented the national team.
The two-time champion with Atlas Guadalajara will be the first Colombian by birth to naturalize as a Mexican and the latest in a list headed by Argentines and Spaniards. Curiously, other players who were born elsewhere but pledge allegiance to Mexico include a Peruvian player, a number of Brazilians and even a Cuban.
The seven most recent naturalized players to play for Mexico
- Rogelio Funes Mori (Argentina: debut 3 July 2021 vs Nigeria)
- Christián Giménez - (Argentina: debut 15 August 2013 vs Ivory Coast)
- Damián Álvarez - (Argentina: debut 3 January 2012 vs Colombia)
- Lucas Ayala - (Argentina: debut 29 January 2009 vs Sweden)
- Leandro Augusto - (Brazil: debut 21 August 2008 vs Honduras)
- Matías Vuoso - (Argentina: debut 7 September 2008 vs Jamaica)
- Guillermo Franco - (Argentina: debut 8 October 2005 vs Guatamala)
José López Herranz was the first footballer not born in Mexico to represent the tricolor team. Born in Madrid, Spain, he played six games with the Tri and led Mexico as a coach in the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland and in Sweden 1958.
Jorge Romo is another name that stands out. Born in La Habana, Cuba, he played for three Mexican clubs - Asturias, Marte and Toluca and was called up by Herranz to the two aforementioned World Cup tournaments. He made a total of 13 appearances for the national team.