PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jackson Gabriel Porozo Vernaza |
| Date of Birth | 4 August 2000 (Age: 25) |
| Place of Birth | San Lorenzo, Ecuador |
| Nationality | Ecuadorian |
| Height | 1.92 m / 6 ft 4 in |
| Weight | 84 kg / 185 lbs |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Club Tijuana (on loan from Troyes) |
| Previous Clubs | Manta, Santos, Boavista, Olympiacos, Kasımpaşa, Leganés |
| International Caps | 11 |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Market Value | €2.4M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ecuador, having qualified with their best-ever qualifying campaign, arrived in North America with high expectations. For Jackson Porozo, the journey to his second World Cup had been one of European odyssey—from Portugal to France, Greece to Turkey, Spain to Mexico—and finally to football’s greatest stage.
When Ecuador’s squad was announced on May 31, 2026, Porozo was among the defenders selected, representing the new generation of Ecuadorian talent ready to make their mark on the global stage. The 25-year-old centre-back had been a part of Ecuador’s historic youth generation that won the South American U-20 Championship in 2019 and finished third at the U-20 World Cup in Poland. Now, he was preparing for his second World Cup, having previously been an unused substitute at Qatar 2022.
The tournament represented a significant milestone. While the spotlight often falls on players like Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié, Porozo had earned his place through his international experience and ability to perform in different defensive systems. His journey from the youth academies of Ecuador to the World Cup stage was complete—a story of resilience, adaptability, and quiet excellence.
Origins
Jackson Gabriel Porozo Vernaza was born on August 4, 2000, in San Lorenzo, Ecuador. His footballing journey began in the Ecuadorian youth system, where he joined the youth setup of LDU Quito in 2012. He subsequently represented Sandino FC, had loan spells at Manta, and spent time at Independiente del Valle before returning to Manta in 2016.
At Manta, Porozo made his senior debut during the 2017 campaign in the Ecuadorian Serie B. He scored his first senior goal on April 22, 2017, netting his team’s only goal in a 3-1 away loss against Colón FC. He finished his first season with one goal in 16 appearances. His performances at Manta attracted attention from Brazilian club Palmeiras, where he had a trial in December 2017.
His talent was recognized early on the international stage. He represented Ecuador at the U-17 level, making eight appearances and scoring one goal in the South American U-17 Championship. He was also a key member of the historic Ecuadorian U-20 squad that won the South American U-20 Championship in 2019 and finished third at the U-20 World Cup in Poland, making 15 appearances.
The European Forge
Manta and Santos (2017-2020):
Porozo’s senior career began at Manta in the Ecuadorian Serie B. He made 18 appearances and scored 1 goal for the club. On March 23, 2018, he agreed to a contract with Brazilian club Santos, being initially assigned to the under-20 squad. After some contractual issues, he officially joined the club in August 2018, after his 18th birthday.
Boavista (2020-2022):
On October 1, 2020, Porozo was announced at Portuguese Primeira Liga side Boavista, agreeing to a five-year contract for a total fee of €500,000. Santos received 80% of the value and retained a 16% sell-on clause. His time at Boavista was his first major breakthrough in European football. Over two seasons, he made 35 league appearances, scoring 2 goals. In his debut Primeira Liga season, he made 11 appearances and scored 2 goals. The following season, he made 24 appearances, all starts, accumulating 2,146 minutes.
Troyes (2022-Present):
On June 24, 2022, Porozo signed for Ligue 1 side Troyes on a five-year contract. His debut season in France saw him make 22 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring 2 goals in 1,617 minutes.
Loan Spells: Olympiacos, Kasımpaşa, Leganés (2023-2025):
Porozo’s career took a nomadic turn as he was sent out on a series of loans to gain experience:
- On August 2, 2023, he was loaned to Greek Super League side Olympiacos, making 4 appearances.
- On February 2, 2024, he moved on a new loan to Kasımpaşa in the Turkish Süper Lig, making 14 appearances and scoring 1 goal.
- On August 23, 2024, he switched teams again, agreeing to a one-year loan deal with La Liga side Leganés. He made two cup appearances but no league appearances for Leganés in the first half of the season.
Club Tijuana (2025-Present):
On January 30, 2025, Porozo moved on a new loan to Mexican club Tijuana. The move proved transformative. In the 2025-26 season, he made 33 league appearances, all starts, accumulating 2,938 minutes and scoring 2 goals. He also received 8 yellow cards and 1 red card. His market value is estimated at €2.4M. He is under contract with Troyes until June 2027 and is currently on loan at Tijuana until June 2027.
The Anatomy of His Game
Jackson Porozo is a centre-back defined by his physical presence, aerial ability, and experience across multiple leagues. Standing at 1.92 meters, he combines height with strength and positional awareness.
In Possession:
Porozo is a composed presence in possession. His career statistics show he is capable of contributing in the opposition penalty area—he has scored 5 goals across his senior professional career. His ability to contribute from set pieces makes him a valuable attacking asset from defense.
Out of Possession:
Porozo’s defensive attributes are his primary asset. His physical presence at 1.92m gives him an advantage in aerial duels. He has accumulated over 100 professional appearances across six leagues by age 25, demonstrating his adaptability and reliability. His disciplinary record is notable—he received 8 yellow cards and 1 red card in the 2025-26 season with Tijuana, reflecting his aggressive style of play.
Psychological Edge:
Porozo’s mental resilience is evident in his career trajectory. His journey through multiple European leagues—Portugal, France, Greece, Turkey, Spain, and Mexico—reflects a player who can adapt to different cultures and footballing styles. His ability to maintain performance levels despite constant movement demonstrates exceptional professionalism and adaptability.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liga MX (Tijuana) | 33 | 33 | 2,938 | 2 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-2018 | Manta | Ecuadorian Serie B | 18 | 1 |
| 2020-2021 | Boavista | Primeira Liga | 11 | 2 |
| 2021-2022 | Boavista | Primeira Liga | 24 | 0 |
| 2022-2023 | Troyes | Ligue 1 | 22 | 2 |
| 2023-2024 | Olympiacos (loan) | Super League | 4 | 0 |
| 2023-2024 | Kasımpaşa (loan) | Süper Lig | 14 | 1 |
| 2024-2025 | Leganés (loan) | La Liga | 0 | 0 |
| 2025-2026 | Tijuana (loan) | Liga MX | 33 | 2 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 126+ | 5 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 U-20 South American Championship | 9 | 0 | Winner |
| 2019 U-20 World Cup | 6 | 0 | Third place |
| 2022 World Cup | 0 | 0 | Unused substitute |
| 2024 Copa América | — | — | Selected in squad |
| 2026 World Cup | — | — | Named in squad |
| Friendlies | 6+ | 1 | — |
| TOTAL | 11 | 1 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Senior Debut | Manta, Ecuadorian Serie B |
| 2019 | U-20 South American Champion | Ecuador U20 |
| 2019 | U-20 World Cup Third Place | Ecuador U20 |
| 2020 | Move to Europe | Boavista, Portugal |
| 2022 | Troyes Move | Ligue 1 debut |
| 2022 | World Cup Selection | Qatar 2022, unused substitute |
| 2024 | Copa América Selection | Ecuador squad |
| 2025-26 | Liga MX Breakthrough | 33 appearances, 2 goals |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Ecuador squad |
What these figures reveal
is a player who has accumulated significant experience across multiple leagues. Porozo has made over 100 professional appearances across six countries by age 25. His 2025-26 season with Tijuana was the most productive of his career—33 appearances, all starts. His selection for two World Cups (2022 and 2026) reflects the esteem in which he is held by his national team coaches.
The Present Tense
Jackson Porozo is 25 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is Tijuana’s centre-back on loan from Troyes, an Ecuador international, and a two-time World Cup participant.
The Club Situation:
Porozo joined Tijuana on loan from Troyes in January 2025. In the 2025-26 season, he made 33 league appearances, all starts, accumulating 2,938 minutes of playing time. His market value is estimated at €2.4M. His contract with Troyes runs until June 2027, and his loan at Tijuana continues until June 2027.
The World Cup Campaign:
Porozo was selected by head coach Sebastián Beccacece for Ecuador’s 2026 World Cup squad, named on May 31, 2026. He was one of three Liga MX players representing Ecuador at the tournament, alongside Enner Valencia and Pedro Vite. He was part of the new generation of Ecuadorian talent selected for the tournament. This marked his second World Cup, having previously been called up for Qatar 2022. Ecuador was drawn into Group E alongside Germany, and the team secured a stunning 2-1 victory over the four-time world champions to advance from the group.
International Record:
Porozo has earned 11 caps for Ecuador, scoring 1 goal. He has represented Ecuador at the U-17, U-20, U-23, and senior levels. He was part of the Ecuador squad for the 2022 World Cup, the 2024 Copa América, and the 2026 World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Jackson Porozo is defined by his journey from the Ecuadorian youth system to the World Cup stage. Born in San Lorenzo, he developed through multiple Ecuadorian academies before making the leap to European football.
His career has been a journey across continents—from Ecuador to Brazil, Portugal, France, Greece, Turkey, Spain, and Mexico. He has experienced the highs of winning the South American U-20 Championship and finishing third at the U-20 World Cup with Ecuador’s historic youth generation. His European odyssey has given him experience in some of the world’s most competitive leagues.
He is part of Ecuador’s new generation of defenders, a group that includes Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié. While the spotlight often falls on his more celebrated teammates, Porozo has earned his place through international experience and the ability to perform in different defensive systems.
The Verdict from the Camp
Sebastián Beccacece, Ecuador head coach:
Beccacece selected Porozo for the 2026 World Cup squad, recognizing his defensive qualities and international experience.
Sports Illustrated, on Porozo's World Cup selection:
“Porozo se ganó nuevamente un lugar gracias a su experiencia internacional y a su capacidad para desempeñarse en distintos sistemas defensivos” (Porozo earned his place again thanks to his international experience and his ability to perform in different defensive systems).
Ecuavisa, on Porozo's journey:
Porozo “representa el relevo de una selección que llega al Mundial con una mezcla de juventud, talento y ambición” (represents the renewal of a national team that arrives at the World Cup with a mix of youth, talent, and ambition).
Where Next?
Jackson Porozo is 25 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is currently on loan at Tijuana from Troyes, with his loan and parent contract both running until June 2027.
For Ecuador, he represents a reliable defensive option with international experience. His World Cup experience—being called up for both the 2022 and 2026 tournaments—has added to his international pedigree. With 11 caps, he will be a valuable squad member for future tournaments.
For Tijuana, he is a key defensive player. His 33 appearances in the 2025-26 season demonstrate his importance to the squad. His loan continues until June 2027, and his performances in Liga MX have raised his profile.
His career trajectory is remarkable—from the Ecuadorian Serie B to the Primeira Liga, from Ligue 1 to the Süper Lig, from La Liga to Liga MX, and from the Ecuador youth teams to the World Cup. He has earned his place through resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
The boy from San Lorenzo who made his debut at Manta has become a European journeyman, a Tijuana regular, and a two-time World Cup participant. Jackson Porozo’s journey is a story of adaptability, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence on football’s greatest stage.
