Mexican strikers continuing their careers outside Liga MX

In a World Cup year, with much of the spotlight focused on Raúl Jiménez and Santiago Giménez, there are other Mexican strikers who continue their professional careers far from Liga MX. Without space or continuity in Mexican football, several forwards chose to look abroad for opportunities in order to stay active and competitive.

While they now operate with far less media exposure, many of these attackers previously played for major Liga MX clubs, and some even earned call-ups to the Mexican national team. Today, leagues such as Costa Rica’s top division have become a lifeline, offering a chance to rebuild their careers and remain visible within professional football.

Costa Rica’s Primera División has emerged as one of the main destinations for these Mexican forwards. There, they seek consistency, confidence, and regular minutes—elements they struggled to find in Mexico and consider essential to staying relevant in the professional game.

Three former Chivas Guadalajara strikers are currently playing in Costa Rican football. The most notable case is Erick “Cubo” Torres, who debuted with goals for Chivas, established himself as a starter, and even reached the Mexican national team. He now plays for Municipal Liberia after serving a suspension related to a doping violation.

Another name is Ángel Saldívar, who made his Liga MX debut with Chivas during Matías Almeyda’s tenure. After stints with Monterrey and Atlético San Luis, he signed with Alajuelense, where he is preparing to make his debut.

Other Mexican attackers have also found a place in Costa Rica. Joao Maleck currently plays for Guadalupe FC, while José de Jesús González—also a former Chivas player—is part of Herediano. Brian Martínez, who previously competed in Mexico’s lower divisions, is now on the roster of San Carlos.

All of them share the same objective: to remain active, regain prominence, and prove that they can still compete at a solid level, even if their path has taken them far from Liga MX.