From Rafael Marquez thriving with Barcelona to Cuauhtemoc Blanco barely playing a game with Real Valladolid, there has been no shortage of Mexican talent that has played in Europe since the start of the new millennium with varying results.
Blanco suffered a devastating injury that sidelined him for almost a year and never really got a chance to prove his worth after he landed in Europe but there is no doubt he was a talented player nonetheless. Marquez on the other hand was a stud for Barcelona and it’s no surprise that he tops our list of the best Mexican players to play in Europe since 2000.
Rafael Marquez – D (Hellas Verona)
Undoubtedly the best Mexican soccer player to ever play in Europe, Marquez has thrived as an undisputed starter during stints with Monaco, Barcelona and now Hellas Verona. Marquez helped Barcelona win four La Liga titles, three Supercopas de Espana, two Champions League and one Copa del Rey and he thrived with Monaco as well where he hoisted three more trophies. He’s a central defender who is known for his physical play and he’s even been criticized for it many times as opponents don’t like playing against him. Marquez has returned to Europe after four years with New York Red Bulls and Leon, where he is once again holding down the back line for Serie A side Hellas Verona.
Javier Hernandez – F (Real Madrid)
Hernandez thrived in his first year with Manchester United, and in total, he scored 37 goals in 102 contests. However, things changed once David Moyes took over and it was only a matter of time before he was moved elsewhere. He’s found a new home with Real Madrid and while his minutes have been limited since he’s stuck behind some of the world’s elite strikers including (Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale), he still makes quality contributions in his time on the pitch. He does have four goals in 17 appearances with Real Madrid this season and while he might not put up the same numbers he used to put up since he’s buried on that roster, he still ranks third all-time among Mexican scorers in Europe with 38 all-time goals.
Hector Herrera – F (Porto)
Herrera only joined Porto in 2013 but he has already proved his worth as a creative midfielder known for his touch and creativity. Herrera might not have elite goal scoring numbers but he still has six goals in 40 appearances, and has been instrumental for the Portuguese side both at home and in the Champions League. He’s just 24 years old but can already be considered one of the best Mexican players to play in Europe.
Hector Moreno – D (Espanyol)
Moreno got acclaim on Mexico’s national team that won the FIFA U-17 World Championship and soon after, he joined the UNAM when he was just 15 years old. After making his way with Pumas, he left for AZ Alkmaar where he started to really shine. A stud on the back line, Moreno spent four seasons in the Netherlands before moving to Espanyol where he has played since 2011. He’s now 27 but Moreno is still just entering his prime. He’s a defensive stalwart and he’s likely headed for an even bigger role in a bigger league. That’s why the rumors continue to persist about a potential move that could link him to the Premier League this summer.
Guillermo Ochoa – G (Malaga)
The only Mexican goalkeeper to every play in a European first division league is Ochoa, who moved to Ajaccio overseas before joining his current club Malaga. Ochoa thrived, winner the Best Player award winner with Ajaccio in Ligue One. That earned him a shot with Malaga but to this point, he has yet to play in La Liga – although he has made a couple of appearances for the Spanish side in La Liga. He’s still just 29 and should get a starting gig again very shortly.
