Alex Padilla: Last Mexican in LaLiga Makes History
The 2024-25 LaLiga season began this Thursday, August 15, and for the first time in 18 years, only one Mexican player is present in the competition. Alex Padilla, the 20-year-old goalkeeper, has been added last minute to the Athletic Bilbao roster due to injuries to the club’s starting keepers.
A Standout Debut at San Mamés
Padilla impressed with a solid performance in his first match against Getafe, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Despite preseason criticism, the young Mexican showed his quality between the posts. Spanish media praised his composure and ability to perform in critical moments. According to El Diario El Correo de Bilbao, “the goalkeeper made a stunning save in the one-on-one against Aleñá.”
The Crisis of Mexican Players in LaLiga
Padilla’s presence highlights a crisis for Mexican footballers in LaLiga. With Julián Araujo moving to Bournemouth and César Montes relegated to the Second Division, Mexico has the fewest representatives in 20 years. Despite the decline in the number of Mexican players in Spain’s top division, Padilla keeps the flame of Mexican football alive in one of the world’s most prestigious leagues.
