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Macías is latest in long line of Chivas exports

By Thomas Buckley

J.J. Macías and Getafe team president Angel Torres hold up the former Chivas' new jersey. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
J.J. Macías and Getafe team president Angel Torres hold up the former Chivas' new jersey. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Macias Chivas exports
Carlos Salcido (left) takes on France’s William Gallas during the 2010 World Cup as Carlos Vela (No. 11) follows the action. Salcido and Vela came up through the Chivas academy before finding fame in Europe and with El Tri. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) /

Chivas need passports after Vergara takes over

Upon taking over as club president, Jorge Vergara promised to return the Chivas to its glory days. Though he fell short of the standards set in the 1960s, he certainly helped put Guadalajara on the international soccer map by opening the door to Europe.

The first five players to benefit from this new policy enjoyed a measure of success, even stardom.

Months after helping Mexico win the Under-17 World Cup in 2005, Carlos Vela was shipped to Arsenal in January 2006. Though he did not thrive with the Gunners, “El Bombardero” had a productive career across the pond, becoming a star at Real Sociedad (scoring 73 goals) alongside Antoine Griezmann. Vela is just now winding down his career in style with LAFC, winning the MLS MVP Award in 2019.

Also in 2006, Carlos Salcido made his way to Europe. The fullback starred for Mexico at the 2005 Confederations Cup and at the 2006 World Cup before signing with PSV Eindhoven where he won Eredivisie titles in his first two seasons. “Sa Sa” also played for Fulham in the Premier League before returning to Liga MX where he won a title with Tigres in 2011 and then captained the Chivas to victory over those same Tigres in the Clausura 2017 Final. Salcido also won a Gold Medal at the 2012 Olympics.

In 2008, José Francisco “Maza” Rodríguez followed in Salcido’s footsteps, joining PSV Eindhoven. He spent three years with “The Farmers” (winning a Super Cup) then spent another year in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart. His career after that is a disappointment to Chivas fans as the gangly defender returned to Mexico to play for América with whom he won a Liga MX title in 2013.

Also in 2008, Omar Bravo departed The Sacred Flock for Spain after becoming only the second Guadalajara player to score more than 100 goals. “El mocho” struggled to fit in at Deportivo la Coruña, lasting only six months (scoring only three times) before returning to Mexico where he eventually became the Chivas’ all-time leading scorer, surpassing the legendary Salvador Reyes in August 2015.

Even before enjoying a star turn at the 2010 World Cup, Javier Hernández was signed by Manchester United. “Chicharito” left for the Premier League as the reigning Liga MX scoring champ and he demonstrated his nose for goal with the Red Devils (he literally netted his first goal for United with his nose, deflecting the ball off his face in the 2010 Community Shield match against Chelsea). “Chicharito” scored 59 times for Man U, helping Sir Alex & Co. win two Premier League titles before moving to Real Madrid on loan. He also played for Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham and Sevilla, finding the net 68 more times.

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