It has been a week full of celebratory news for the Mexican National Team. Raul Jimenez was awarded the Goal of the Year and head coach Javier Aguirre was nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year.
This could not have come at a better time for Mexico as they gear up for the World Cup next summer.
Nominations for the 2024/2025 CONCACAF Awards came out in September with a total of five Mexican players, men and women, among the nominees list.
Nominees:
Men’s Player of the Year: Edson Alvarez, Angel Sepulveda and Raul Jimenez (Goal of the Year)
Women’s Player of the Year: Charlyn Corral and Jacqueline Ovalle
None of the Mexican players won Player of the Year as those awards went to Jonathan David of Canada and Melchie Dumornay of Haiti. While that award did not go to a Mexican player Raul Jimenez did win an award as he was awarded Goal of the Year. The goal that won the award was the stunner from the Concacaf Nations League semifinals against Canada. In the 75th minute of the match Mexico was awarded a free kick outside Canada’s penalty area and Jimenez stepped up to take it. He did not squander the opportunity as he sent the ball into the back of the net to double Mexico’s lead and send them to the final. Mexico would end up winning the competition for the first time ever and that tournament was a comeback for Jimenez. The striker had a bad year leading up to the competition but he made his way back and that was what Mexico needed. As long as he maintains that form Jimenez will be at the 2026 World Cup.
The nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards were released yesterday and many were surprised when it came to the Men’s Coach of the Year award. Mexico’s head coach Javier Aguirre was nominated alongside Arne Slot, Mikel Arteta, Roberto Martinez, Enzo Maresca, Luis Enrique and Hansi Flick. It was a big surprise to see the Mexican’s name there but it was a welcome surprise as Aguirre’s efforts have been recognized. This year he led Mexico to two titles, the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup. These two titles have shown Aguirre has been the best coach this year in the region. While his chances of winning are slim compared to the other nominees, hopefully this will light a fire in Aguirre and Mexico. The Mexican National Team has had potential to be a powerhouse in the world but they have fallen short time and time again. In the past Aguirre had been criticized for the squad he would call-up but he finally listened and called-up players that have changed the look of the team. Compared to strong European teams, Mexico doesn’t have an extensive list of players to choose from but Mexico does have strong youth talent that coaches in the past have refused to look at. Aguirre learned from those mistakes and it has paid off. Mexico still has some learning to do but it’s refreshing to see a coach own up to past mistakes and make the right ones. Maybe things will now get better for Mexico.
