Tag Archives: Alejandro Zendejas

Alejandro Zendejas Commits to United States Men’s National Soccer Team

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Alejandro Zendejas is picking sides…

The 25-year-old Mexican soccer star, a dual national, says he is committing to the United States national team over Mexico.

Alejandro ZendejasZendejas, who plays forward, made his U.S. debut in a January 25 exhibition against Serbia but remained eligible to ask FIFA for a one-time switch of affiliation to Mexico.

“I am excited for this next chapter, and earning my place with the USMNT,” Zendejas said. “Thank you to everyone for the incredible support.”

The announcement concludes a bizarre tug-of-war between the U.S. and Mexico, one in which Zendejas initially played for the U.S. at the youth level, including at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he was a teammate of Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams.

But upon joining Liga MX side Chivas in 2016, Zendejas said he would reject future U.S. call-ups and would play for Mexico.

Zendejas went on to play for El Tri at the youth level, and later the full Mexico national team in a pair of friendlies against Ecuador in 2021 and Guatemala in 2022.

But Zendejas never filed the required one-time switch with FIFA to become eligible to play for Mexico, which was necessary because he had played for the U.S. in official competition.

Mexico was ordered to forfeit five matches (three at the youth level) and fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,900) by FIFA for using Zendejas while he was affiliated with the United States.

That development saw Zendejas return to the U.S. fold, and he played in the January friendly earlier this year against Serbia.

Now he will be available to play for the U.S. in the CONCACAF Nations League games later this month.

“I am very proud of being Mexican-American. Values from both cultures have made me the person I am today,” Zendejas said in a statement Tuesday. “Making a decision on your international career is very difficult, and I believe in following your heart. Mine tells me that my future lies representing the USA.”

Zendejas was born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, but was raised in El Paso, Texas. He is a product of the FC Dallas Academy, and he made his team debut with the club in 2015.

He made his MLS debut against Houston on May 1, 2015, and transferred to Chivas in June 2016, then went on loan to Zacatepec in June 2017. Zendejas transferred to Necaxa in June 2020 and to Club America in January 2022.

His aforementioned move to Chivas saw him struggle for playing time, but the loan to Zacatepec saw Zendejas find his footing in the pro game, and he eventually moved to Necaxa on a free transfer.

After scoring 11 goals in 50 league matches, Zendejas moved to Club America in January 2022. He has been a steady and at times spectacular contributor for the Aguilas, scoring 13 goals in 43 league matches.

In terms of the USMNT, Zendejas will provide additional depth at the wing positions, but he faces stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea’s Pulisic, Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna, Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson and Lille’s Timothy Weah.

U.S. National Team Calls Up Mexican Dual Citizen Alejandro Zendejas

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Alejandro Zendejas is heading north…

The 24-year-old Mexican professional footballer has beene called up for the first time by the senior United States national team, according to Futbol Americas hosts Herculez Gomez and Sebastian Salazar.

Alejandro ZendejasZendejas, a dual citizen who plays for Liga MX‘s Club America is joioned by Brandon Vazquez of FC Cincinnati on the roster.

The sources said that the two soccer up-and-comers are on the list for this month’s camp in Los Angeles ahead of friendlies with Serbia at Banc of California Stadium on January 25, and Colombia at Carson’s Dignity Health Sports Park on Jan. 28.

The full U.S. squad is expected to be released on Wednesday, with World Cup assistant Anthony Hudson set to oversee the side for the camp and friendlies.

Vazquez, a 2022 MLS All-Star said last year that he’s open to Mexico or the United States, but hinted at this month’s MLS Media Day that a decision had already been made.

“It’s a big milestone for me,” Vazquez told MLSsoccer.com about earning a chance with the USMNT’s January camp.

“I mean, growing up with the [U.S.] national team, and then seeing other teammates get the opportunity and thriving with the men’s national team, and not being there, sometimes I compare, you know? So I always wish I’m there, too. I’ve been wanting to get there for a long time.”

Vazquez, who was a part of the U.S. youth national team setup, also noted that there’s “still no conversation” with the Mexican federation and that “nobody’s called.”

Zendejas has represented both Mexico and the United States at youth level and made two senior appearances for El Tri in late 2021 and early 2022. Last August, ESPN Mexico reported that FIFA were investigating the eligibility of the player who had allegedly yet to file a one-time switch with Mexico.

In September, a representative from U.S. Soccer confirmed to ESPN that they were following Zendejas’ development, after his involvement in the youth setup.

While Vazquez is in MLS’ preseason, a possible hurdle for Zendejas is two upcoming home games for America in Mexico City against Puebla on Jan. 21 and Mazatlan on Jan. 28. Due to the USMNT camp and friendlies landing on non-FIFA dates, Club America does not have to release Zendejas.