Club Necaxa, one of Mexico’s most storied football institutions, enters the 2024/25 season with a renewed sense of ambition. Known for their passionate fanbase and rich history, Los Rayos have meticulously assembled a squad that blends youthful exuberance with seasoned experience. This season, the club aims to compete at the highest level, challenging for domestic honors and making a mark in international competitions. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the squad, analyzing each player’s background, strengths, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
Hugo González
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Monterrey, Necaxa (loan), Almería (Spain)
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (permanent signing from Monterrey in 2023)
Hugo González is a towering presence between the posts, standing at 6’4”. Known for his lightning-fast reflexes and commanding aerial ability, González has established himself as one of Liga MX’s most reliable goalkeepers. His stint in Spain with Almería honed his distribution skills, making him a modern sweeper-keeper. Since joining Necaxa permanently, he has kept 15 clean sheets in 30 appearances, showcasing his importance to the team’s defensive solidity.
Eduardo García
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Necaxa Academy, Zacatepec (loan)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Promoted from youth system)
A product of Necaxa’s renowned youth academy, García is a promising shot-stopper with excellent shot-stopping abilities. At just 22 years old, he has already shown composure beyond his years. His loan spell at Zacatepec in Liga de Expansión provided valuable first-team experience, where he kept 8 clean sheets in 20 matches. García is seen as the future of Necaxa’s goalkeeping department.
Rodolfo Cota
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: León, Chivas, Pachuca
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
A veteran goalkeeper with over a decade of Liga MX experience, Cota brings leadership and depth to the squad. Known for his penalty-saving prowess and ability to organize the defense, Cota has won multiple titles with León. His arrival on a free transfer adds invaluable experience to the goalkeeping unit, providing mentorship to younger players like García.
Defenders
Alejandro Mayorga
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Chivas, Pumas, Necaxa (loan)
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (permanent signing in 2024)
Mayorga is a versatile left-back who can also operate as a center-back or wing-back. His pace, crossing ability, and defensive awareness make him a key asset in Necaxa’s backline. After a successful loan spell, the club secured his services permanently. Mayorga’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has made him a fan favorite.
Fabricio Formiliano
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Defensor Sporting, Puebla, Necaxa
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2023)
Formiliano is a no-nonsense center-back known for his physicality and aerial dominance. The Uruguayan defender has been a rock at the heart of Necaxa’s defense, averaging 5 clearances and 3 interceptions per game. His leadership qualities and experience in both South American and Mexican football make him indispensable.
Agustín Oliveros
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Nacional, Necaxa
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Oliveros is a technically gifted left-back with a knack for delivering pinpoint crosses. His defensive discipline and ability to join the attack have been crucial for Necaxa. Since joining from Nacional, he has contributed 4 assists and 1 goal in 25 appearances, solidifying his place as a first-team regular.
Unai Bilbao
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao, Leganés, Necaxa
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Jesús Alcántar
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Necaxa Academy, Tapatío (loan)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Promoted from youth system)
Alcántar is a young right-back with immense potential. His pace and defensive tenacity have earned him a spot in the first team. A product of Necaxa’s academy, Alcántar represents the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
Luis Quintana
Nationality: Colombian
Former Clubs:
Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)
Quintana is a versatile defender capable of playing as a center-back or right-back. His physicality and ability to read the game have made him a reliable option for the manager. The Colombian’s experience in Copa Libertadores adds a competitive edge to the squad.
Midfielders
Fernando Arce Jr.
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Tijuana, Necaxa
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Arce Jr. is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder with an eye for goal. The son of Mexican legend Fernando Arce, he has carved out his own legacy with his work rate and technical ability. In the 2023/24 season, he scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists, making him one of the team’s most influential players.
David Cabrera
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Pumas, Necaxa
Transfer Fee: €1 million (2022)
Cabrera is a deep-lying playmaker known for his passing range and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His vision and set-piece delivery have been instrumental in Necaxa’s attacking play. With over 200 Liga MX appearances, Cabrera brings invaluable experience to the midfield.
Brian García
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Necaxa Academy, Atlético San Luis (loan)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Promoted from youth system)
García is a promising young midfielder with excellent dribbling skills and a high football IQ. His loan spell at Atlético San Luis helped him gain first-team experience, and he has since returned to Necaxa as a key player. At just 21, García has a bright future ahead.
Andrés Andrade
Nationality: Panamanian
Former Clubs: LASK (Austria), Necaxa
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2024)
Andrade is a versatile midfielder who can play in both defensive and attacking roles. His energy and ability to break up play have made him a vital cog in Necaxa’s midfield. The Panamanian international’s arrival has added depth and quality to the squad.
Edgar Méndez
Nationality: Costa Rican
Former Clubs: Almería (Spain), Necaxa
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Méndez is a winger with blistering pace and excellent crossing ability. His experience in European football has made him a valuable addition to the squad. The Costa Rican international provides width and creativity, making him a key player in Necaxa’s attacking setup.
Forwards
Mauro Quiroga
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Atlético Tucumán, Necaxa
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Quiroga is a prolific striker known for his physicality and clinical finishing. The Argentine forward scored 15 goals in the 2023/24 season, making him the team’s top scorer. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game adds another dimension to Necaxa’s attack.
Facundo Batista
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Defensor Sporting, Necaxa
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2024)
Batista is a versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or winger. His pace and dribbling skills make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. The Uruguayan’s arrival has added firepower to Necaxa’s frontline.
Diego Gómez
Nationality: Paraguayan
Former Clubs: Libertad, Necaxa
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
Gómez is a technically gifted forward with an eye for goal. The Paraguayan international has already made an impact, scoring 4 goals in his first 10 appearances. His creativity and link-up play have been crucial for the team.
Heriberto Jurado
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Necaxa Academy, Tepatitlán (loan)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Promoted from youth system)
Jurado is a young forward with immense potential. His loan spell at Tepatitlán helped him gain valuable experience, and he has since returned to Necaxa as a key player. At just 20 years old, Jurado represents the future of the club’s attack.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Club Necaxa squad is a well-balanced mix of youth and experience, with players from diverse backgrounds contributing to the team’s success. From the commanding presence of Hugo González in goal to the attacking flair of Mauro Quiroga, each player brings unique qualities to the table. With a blend of homegrown talent and shrewd signings, Necaxa is poised to make waves in the upcoming season. The club’s commitment to nurturing young players while competing at the highest level is a testament to their long-term vision. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to an exciting brand of football and a team that fights for every honor.
