Last Updated on April 24, 2022 by
Judging from the consistent participation of the Mexican national team and their highly impressive record across all categories of youth football Internationally, it’s difficult to use the word ‘Bad’ and Mexico in the same sentence when football is the point of discussion. The country has been up there as one of the best ten to twenty teams in world football according to the FIFA rankings and has impressively won the Under 17 world cup on two different occasions. Except for the Italia ’90 showpiece when the country was banned, the Mexican national team has qualified for all FIFA world cups ever since its inception and won a gold medal in the football category at the 2012 Olympics in London by securing an impressive 2-1 victory over Brazil in the final.
On the global stage, Mexico is ranked as the country with the 11th largest economy in the world with a population of 119 million people, more than the likes of Argentina and Brazil. However, underlying issues like corruption and failure to invest in youth development, as well a lack of improvement in the football league has prevented the country from having a football powerhouse.
Have you ever wondered why a country with great potential like Mexico is not considered a football powerhouse on the global stage? Seek no further as we will be having a detailed look into the underlying reasons behind the lack of progress in Mexican football. Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
Why is Mexico so bad in football?
From a statistical point of view, the numbers behind the Mexican national teams and clubs in both international and club football are impressive enough to categorize Mexico as a good footballing nation. Football is the most loved sport and it is widely played in all categories in the country. In addition to that, several players in the Mexican national team ply their trade in top leagues across the world, particularly in Europe and the united states. On the International stage, Mexico has produced top performances at several world cups and was privileged to host the most prestigious tournament in football on two different occasions. Furthermore, they are also a fantastic side in youth football, consistently producing an amazing football team at the U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels. They achieved their biggest feat in football during the London 2012 Olympic Games, defeating the mighty football powerhouse Brazil in the final to secure a Gold Medal in the football category. However, the country’s potential to become an elite footballing powerhouse on the international stage like Brazil and Spain is hindered by some apparent Underlying issues which will be highlighted and discussed below.
Corruption
As a country that has proven itself as a competitive team against the elites nations in the international football world, Mexican football is arguably the most corrupt in the world which has proved detrimental to the country’s football growth both nationally and club level. Talents are ignored while mediocre players that have the luxury of connection or money go pro with ease. As a testament to how corruption has riddled the Mexican football, football clubs in the MX league has been disbanded in the last 7 years on cases bothering on bribery and corrupt practices. In addition to that, clubs with financial power can buy to get promoted or to avoid relegation. In finer detail, corruption is almost a normality in Mexican football as opposed what we see in other successful football countries and this has ultimately contribute to the lack of achievements in football for a country of Mexico’s potential.
Mentality
For several decades, Mexico foo all teams across all level has consistently proven itself that it can play great football and give the elite teams a run for their money. However, They tends to slip up against relatively inferior teams which can be linked to the poor mentality of the players. In terms of quality, the Mexican team is blessed with enormous talent in their ranks and have players in the top leagues across the world of football. On several occasions, Teams with lesser talent and quality have provided great upset to shock the supposed powerhouse teams due to their strong mental approach to the games. However, it is on the contrary with the Mexican teams as they usually approach games at the pace set by their opposition and also lack concentration in defining moments, which has become it’s biggest shortcomings and disadvantages.
Indiscipline
While talent and individual quality is never in doubt ,Gross indiscipline is another major factor that has contributed to lack of progress in Mexican football. Several cases of unacceptable behaviors has been reported in the senior National team camps, particularly in major tournaments. Such occurrences put a bad image on the country’s football in general and is a bad distraction from the football game. For instance, during the World cup finals in 2010, Carlos Vela – who was arguably the best player in the squad and Efrain Juarez held a party right after the team’s victory over Columbia. As such behavior is considered a violation of the team rules, both players and other high profile players in attendance were fined and banned to serve as deterrent to other players. As a show of discontent with the decision, Carlos vela refused honor the subsequent call up from the National team.
Continuity
Mexico football teams are one the best at youth level in world football. The youth academies in the country are filled with youngsters with huge football potential and often compete well against the best football Academies in the world. However, lack of continual investment in the youth development has prevent the talented players from reaching their full potential, which will ultimately be beneficial to the National team and the country’s General growth in football.
FAQs
We have a compiled list of frequently asked questions on why Mexico is so bad at football. Let’s have a look at them!
What is Mexico biggest achievement in football?
Definitely winning the gold medal in the football category the 2012 Olympics in London.
Why does the Mexican national team plays their home games in the United States?
Logically, it is a subtle way for Mexico to make more money and increase their brand as they have a huge fan base in the United States.
Who is the greatest ever player to play for Mexico?
Although several soccer stars like Rafael Marquez, Carlos Vela, Hector Herrera, and Raul Jiminez have emerged through the decades, the greatest Mexican player ever is Hugo Sanchez.
Final words
Aside from corrupt practices and disciplinary issues that have riddled the Mexican football teams for several years, the country’s football is not bad in its entirety and has produced competitive teams that can go toe to toe with football elites at major tournaments. If youth development can be prioritized and the Mx league can be free from corruption, Mexican football, in general, would join the league of elites in the football world both at the National and club level.
The resources gathered in this article are provided to answer all your queries about the article topic. Kindly reach out to us via the comments section if you have more questions.
Thanks!
