World Football's Biggest Underachievers

[@pedromegashit9999]

As someone who used to play on the streets of Mexico and someone who’s seen numerous people failed by the Mexican youth system, myself included, this video brings back so many painful memories. Thank you for being outspoken and informing so many people about the many problems of the Mexican federation.

[@pedromegashit9999]

I tried out and made it into the Pachuca academy when I was 16 but it was too far from where I lived and I had no way of getting there. After paying for long distance cabs for a month they hit me with a registration fee my family couldn’t afford so that was it for me. Some friends would make it into youth teams for Atlas and Querétaro but would eventually get cut off and their lives would spiral downwards. A couple gave up on the dream, others would get depressed to the point they became substance addicts, drugs, alcohol or both.

[@ezrachristian718]

Although I'm more or less spouting sh*t, but isn't it the same case for South Americans? All the players that made it big played in the domestic league until a random European scout came along and snatched them. If we also talk about life style, let's just agree that lots South Americans aren't exactly role models but still had successful careers. While from what I see, Mexicans do manage to break into Europe but even their greatest legends are not comparable to global legends? Also, if we talk about federations, yeaaa the South Americans are definitely stupendously nowhere near "clean" same case with the Africans

[@wussup12345]

Mexico is a failed country

[@franze4]

@@ezrachristian718nigga just read the comment above yours

[@6beto]

@@ezrachristian718 there is an important thing. A lot of. Brazilians and Argentinians have double citizenship and are "cheaper" than Mexican players. That make a huge different so there are not a lot of European scouters.

[@wazik7153]

It’s scary to think about the sheer amount of talent which has fallen through the Mexican system

[@Chill-42]

You can watch 50+ of them playing in what is essentially Sunday league in Southern California. My dad and I both played with so many former Mexico U17 and U20 players over the past 20 years

[@sergjim2377]

The last u-17 that won the tournament should be in thier late 20s early 30s....... I think only one of them are still professionals in 1st division says alot about Mexican youth development they can find the talent but not cultivate that talent

[@m.israel2209]

@@Chill-42That is crazy and sad to think. The fact that Mexico has a system that only favors the rich players that are mid but still make it to professional level, and all the top talent ends up not making it. These corrupt people are destroying futbol in Mexico!

[@JLchevz]

and it goes for the state of the country as a whole, imagine how many geniuses, athletes, entrepreneurs, etc. have just never been supported by anyone. No wonder corruption and inequality are so prevalent in Mexico, there is no support for anyone, crime is the only way

[@sergjim2377]

I've lost count in over 20 years of watching chivas on the amount of youth players that I say " hey this kid shows promise " only to see them disappear from the first team like 2 tournaments after

[@christianevangelista]

As a Mexican, this is the most well put video explaining why we will never win anything major like a world cup. I stopped supporting Mexico a long time ago. It hasn’t been a national team for a long time, its a corporation. We can’t be proud of that.

[@misaelcueva9348]

Fuck man, you are completely right, this "team", this "league" ain't nothing but a bunch of rich dudes playing ground, and the worst part it's that there's absolutely no hope at all of change happening any time soon

[@WorldBeans]

Well they’ve won a confederations cup and olympic gold. Thats more than netherlands have won

[@johelcorderomurillo824]

​@@WorldBeansyeah. With like a LOT MORE of population

[@edgarlemus358]

I stop watching liga Mx few years ago

[@misaelcueva9348]

@@WorldBeans but Netherlands consistently perform better at international tournaments and have a much better pool of talent

[@Entername-md1ev]

Well this aged very well after their most recent disappointment in Copa America

[@RosaHernandez-vy4dm]

🎯

[@alej.5704]

Another horrible thing about Liga MX is franchising. Mazatlan (the club owned by Salinas) used to be Morelia until 2020. Leaving the league with a team with no real identity, and consistently one of the worst in the first division. While the new Morelia club (who took on the old club’s history and honours) is consistently one of the best in the second division. This has also happened with Lobos turning into Juarez. Queretaro FC (Grupo Caliente owned) avoided relegation in 2013 by buying out Chiapas and relocating it to Queretaro, causing San Luis FC ownership to relocate to Chiapas dissolving the original San Luis FC. No other league in Latin America does this type of thing happen and it makes you see why Grupo Caliente and Grupo Salinas push so hard for a permanent closed league.

[@ryanjohnson6272]

Actually it has happened in Colombian football as well, but yeah it's generally uncommon

[@emilewillaerts6368]

Literally, Morelia was my team since I was 6 years old due to a lot of my family being from there and one day we literally just lost it because liga mx is so corrupt

[@franciscosantoyo9835]

I was looking for this exact comment. I second this: for me, the franchise system is the WORST sin of the League, and as a fan of MORELIA, I can say that I haven't consumed mexican football since my team was gone. It kills the passion and the trust in the league, just ask the people of San Luis, La Piedad, Irapuato, Curtidores or even Necaxa. And every year I know more people who has stopped watching mexican games. And honestly, I enjoy witnessing how our football goes rotten and surpassed by other nations of the area, we deserve it because of what was already mentioned in this video. In fact, I'd love to see a video talking about Morelia and the franchise system.

[@Tampico_]

This is a reason that many people overlook. People genuinely believe this isn't an issue. In fact, franchising in Mexico has become NORMALIZED. Where else do you see that in the world? My Monarcas Morelia should not have went out like that. Relocations can also tarnish the futures of potential players. So glad Mazatlan is a mediocre club that has achieved nothing. No wonder MLS surpassed us so easily.

[@eatYoself]

​@@emilewillaerts6368 As a Quakes fan I feel your pain.

[@hidalgopika]

being mexican and a football fan brings a level of depression that cannot be described

[@WorLCommunity]

its dissapointment and hope in every match

[@alejandrobustos693]

As long as you avoid Argentina you will be fine..

[@Jbkeditz]

@@alejandrobustos693 or Brazil

[@Cornelius87]

Every time I sit down to watch a Mexico game I'm already pissed before they even blow the first whistle. That can't be healthy.

[@misaelcueva9348]

Fr, every time you hope for something to change but deep down you know that any changes will be for the worse

[@scottkilmer2904]

As an American, Mexico struggles in comparison to what they could be due to their federation. They have the potential to generate an absurd amount of talent but it all dries up on the vine due to the inability for players to move on to the next level from liga MX due to its severely inflated transfer market

[@elvistek2062]

Very true as well. Just happened to Atlas' Ozziel Herrera actually. Young player who had been playing great and had become key part of his squad. However, it is very hard for players to leave the domestic league when the rich teams like Monterrey, America, or Tigres in this case, come in and drop 10, 12, 15M dollars for your card. Poor kid was disappointed when he had to talk to the press about him joining Tigres after arriving at the Monterrey airport.

[@PataMuncher]

@@elvistek2062 Yeah it’s horrible to witness it happen

[@clickbaitd]

There are bigger risks though to sending them to europe

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Samsung Ericsson Battery AA

[@luckymark571]

@@elvistek2062 1. European clubs don't find the mexican market attractive 2. They generally aren't good enough 3. What makes you buy young mexican talent over cheap south american talent?

[@HughieKing]

Hearing the genuine anger and disgust in Alfie’s voice when he was talking about the “Gentlemen’s Pact” between owners actually gave me goosebumps 😳

[@wahid5923]

Who's watching this after the game with Ecuador

[@Domestic-r1i]

Same, Mexico has talent but doesn’t use it. FMF likes 💰 instead of glory

[@bouji_]

It was a vintage Mexican football match that ended 0-0.

[@b.guan0133]

Historically Ecuador has been very poor in the fútbol world, but even they are showing a very high potential. About 7 of the starters play in Europe, another is 17 making his way to Chelsea next year, and the other is enner Valencia playing in Brazil who is on his way out

[@NazriBuang-w9v]

Lies again? Fight Pass USD SGD

[@kozukizaki8675]

Oh Alfie. You've done it this time. You've made many Mexican subscribers quite feliz with this one. Reminder why this is the PEOPLE'S CHANNEL, GRACIAS AMIGO.

[@federicofuentes6146]

As a Mexican, the video hasn't even started and I know this is going to hurt. Edit: Absolutely spot-frigging-on. Another banger Alfie,

[@TheEyeball37]

So, it confirmed some of your ideas you had going into it, but did you learn anything new?

[@HarutApenitas]

Y’all bots?

[@HarutApenitas]

As a robot I think this comment above is stupid

[@manuelpiza4009]

As a Mexican all I can say is that the grasp that advertisers have on the national team is insane, same thing happens in the league, Mexico needs a whole reset but that will never happen as the financials are all too enticing

[@marcospauloschiattarella]

It seems to me that many countries in LatAm fall for the trap of glorifying the national team, whether it's out of nationalism or because they're better than the level of the local league (e.g Peru) or because the lack of tradition leads to any marketable player who can kick a ball decently being elevated to a status they wouldn't receive if the national team shirt had "more weight". You notice this by how the media tries to exempt the "stars" they created from responsibility, how they always make excuses for their failures in other leagues, absurd comparisons with foreign players and generally just overselling the image of these folks and being too focused on national team. Attention should always be at the club level first and foremost imo, that's where a genuine footballing culture is formed and then the benefits reach the national team, for instance it's not so much the national federation that should work with player development, the federation may assist and supervise without having too much influence, but at the end of the day the establishment of great academies is done by club-level work.

[@TheEyeball37]

You've already given up and you haven't even tried. It won't happen if you do nothing.

[@christianarroyo1403]

Advertising is the reason why Chuy Corona never got a fair chance in goal

[@Yami-Diablo]

​@@christianarroyo1403nah. He just wasn't starter material.

[@HarutApenitas]

Get out of here bot !!! 🤖 begone!!!!!

[@hettfield]

As someone who grew up in Mexico playing on the streets and in parks, I know a few people who have gotten into professional football. My dad knew a few coaches as well. It's exactly as described in this video. All of it is accurate. The talent is there, but the system is rigged to be pay to play. There is no incentive to produce good players, just make money... ironically, they would make more money if they invested into good players.

[@jinamarasinghe9380]

My girlfriends boyfriend said the same thing... I don't understand why you have to pay to play if you want to be scouted there

[@JGL98]

@@jinamarasinghe9380 you’re girlfriends boyfriend…. What?? 😂😂

[@jinamarasinghe9380]

@@JGL98 LOOOOOL i meant my girlfriends brother LOOOOL silly me!!!!!

[@ieatgremlins]

This is so sad.

[@CrimsonKobaNakirigumi]

They don't care in producing good players and selling them. League primary business isn't selling players like it'd be on South America, but TV rights and sponsorships. League right now is a mess, with a quarter of teams just existing, not competing or aiming to build a competitive team because there's no relegation and as long as they get money from rights they're well served. Not to mention corruption which keeps players rotating teams for favours between the owners. That's why they rarely sell to Europe and why some players had to basically escape from the country to reach the old Continent (Luis Chávez or Tecatito Corona for example).

[@RealSWOfficial]

After watching the disastrous performance of the CONCACAF Nations League Championship vs the USA I literally search for videos about how terrible this federation is and then I encountered this which explains everything perfectly of why this Mexican Federation just TERRIBLE in every way. Thank you for making this video. From a Mexican

[@rafadinhoforlahm]

I’d really love to see more of our youth players in the championship though. Having Mexicans in Ipswich or Millwall would not only bring immaculate vibes to the league, but I think it’d really round out players physically and mentally before going to a top 5 league.

[@Jeebalacticus]

As a fellow Mexican who watches the Championship I agree 100% with this.

[@mikehawk8685]

as a usmnt fan, i think a lot of our players over the years being in the championship has helped them physically. hard to go wrong with going there, it's a great stepping stone to go from concacaf to a top 5 league

[@Jayjaymk1978]

Championship is a great league..my team Watford had a Mexican a few years ago Miguel layun

[@WorldBeans]

Marcelo flores played in ipswitch town and people were wondering how does a mexican end up here

[@IshavedChewbacca]

@@WorldBeans isn`t Marcelo half-British tho?

[@emilewillaerts6368]

I am Belgian and Mexican, fair to say I’m living through two national team regressions although at least Belgium has some young players that look promising like Bakayoko, Lavia and Doku that are coming through. Mexico however is such in a bad state that the president of the football association had to post an apology to the fans on the team’s Instagram saying that they would revamp all of their efforts ahead of the 2026 WC. There’s not much hope however, the football academies are broken and corrupt with players literally having to pay enormous sums of money to coaches to even get them shots in their teams and the Liga MX is pretty entertaining but is a mess when it comes to making talent. Not to mention a lot of teams for a lot of reasons don’t want their top young players to go to Europe and when they do like Lainez they barely play. The Dutch league however has been helping Mexicans for a while getting players like Santi Gimenez and Edson Alvarez and developing them so maybe there’s a bit of hope through there.

[@PirataEscondido]

merci

[@westcoastmex629]

Well thanks to the EU immigration loose policies team like Belgian will be able to get a strong pull of African players 😅

[@Jbkeditz]

@@westcoastmex629 fax

[@emilewillaerts6368]

@@westcoastmex629 yeah it’s part of it lmao, honestly 70% of the players I’m excited about for Belgium are of African descent however they’re all born in Belgium. Mexico has an Afro descendant too

[@pare2753]

​@@emilewillaerts6368not 70%

[@pw7230]

Wow, hat's off to you for this one Alfie! I was a bit dubious when I saw what the video was about; I had never seen the issues with Mexican football properly and correctly discussed outside of Mexican footballing circles. But you really did hit the nail on head with this, even bringing up the "gentlemen's pact"!

[@waldoho12]

As a Mexican this makes me sad but it is all true at the state of football my country is in. Thank you HITC Sevens for making this video and showing it to the entire world!!! Keep up great videos!

[@chompo5]

I'm impressed by the amount of work put into the video. If you don't know why Mexico underperforms this video has it all. Thanks bringing this to light to more people.

[@rafadinhoforlahm]

Having watched El Tri since 2009, maturing is realizing you’ll never see your country lift a World Cup. The sobering fact is that we missed our great golden opportunity. I’m not being a pessimist here, but to have Vela, Chicha, Gio, Moreno, Pável Pardo, Guardado, and El Maza all emerge from the ashes of Borgetti and Luis Hernandez was truly remarkable. It was a squad that had the foundations of that Confederations winning team, with someone like Marquez as the figure. But those years were WASTED with poor managerial appointments, La Volpe, Hugo, etc. There’s a lot of backlash the players get for being complacent, and while it’s certainly true that there’s many players in the national team setup that have gone soft, I don’t blame them. Yes it’s an honor to play for your country, I’d sacrifice a lot of things to get that chance, but how are they supposed to feel motivated when they see the circus that is the federation? With Televisa and other organizations getting their hands all over team selections and the sort. The appointment of Cocca embodied everything that is wrong with the federation in recent years. Panic, lazy, and destructive. Jimmy Lozano looks a promising appointment, on account he has the buy in from the players, especially the younger ones, but our squad is very limited right now. Lozano looks ready to leave Napoli for a big paycheck in MLS, Gutierrez left Europe for Chivas, and all the Mexican sides produced an embarrassment in the leagues cup, which granted was played in foreign soil. The reality is that Jimmy has to produce a dignified Copa America, even a semi finals will do. Get Mexico that bronze medal and you can win the people over. The fact of the matter is that Ecuador, who are significantly more restricted than Mexico in economic and population capabilities, just had one of their sons break the premier league transfer record. Because Independiente Del Valle were willing to sacrifice short term gain for player development, they now have 20 million coming their way. Mexican clubs and the league needs to start trusting their players again, because otherwise how can they expect us to trust a process that has let us down again and again.

[@rafadinhoforlahm]

Thank you for this video though Alfie. We’re claiming Hull City now cabrones. ❤🤍💚

[@Rossoneri2]

They need to start trusting the youth and stop overpricing as well. The players need to stop letting money control their decisions as well, earning less but playing at a higher level is better in the long run. Even if it doesn't work out, they can come back and get a decent payday

[@gabi-ps2hu]

With all due respect that golden generation you mentioned for mexico standard is top but to win a world cup that aint that Great, compared to a germany brazil argentina France etc it aint that good.

[@jrtrujillo6901]

@@gabi-ps2huit’s just the development we could have had world stars if we had properly developed the u-17 that won the World Cup but I get what you mean Gio and vela who should have also been more but that’s on them as well

[@dennisgonzalez7962]

And adding the embarrassment performance of Mexican teams at the leagues cup is also realizing USA finally caught up to us

[@coolrvrx]

As a Mexican living in the United States I envy the rate at which the USMNT keeps growing, granted it has its flaws like any other national team it continues to export young talent to Europe and continue succeeding. The love they demonstrate whenever called up is amazing to watch. Sometimes while watching the Mexico games I feel as if the players see it as an obligation and not an opportunity to play for the national team. Hopefully we take more of the positive changes our neighbors up north are making.

[@Cornelius87]

Yeah a lot of these players do seem like they save their worse performances for the national team games. I do feel for them too though, for a while now everytime the face any sort of adversity in Mexico during qualifiers the azteca turns on them rather quick. Hard to get motivated like that.

[@eduardoalvarez2494]

For the Mexicans in the States, if you want to help please stop supporting la selección, don't go to watch the games, the FMF was scared when after losing with USA they saw an empty stadium

[@Tony_S197]

@@eduardoalvarez2494they won’t listen. They think the problems are solved with the new coach. During the Gold cup they filled up those stadiums again and made bank 🤦🏻‍♂️. It’s a whole cycle 🔄

[@NegaRenGenX2gay2lift]

i live on the the Texas/Mexico border, and if you ask any varsity soccer player in my town "what team you wanna play for professionaly?" i heard more FC Dallas and Austin choices than the nearby Santos Laguna

[@NegaRenGenX2gay2lift]

they saw Ricardo Pepi, who grew up on the border signed for FC Dallas and then gets bought for $20 million shortly afterwards by FC Augsburg last year. so every aspiring player this region aspires to have a career like Pepi's atm

[@parker-ii7fg]

I feel as though Nigeria are a big underachiever too considering the vast degree of success they have had at youth and olympic level, and the amount of top quality players they have produced on the European club scene over the years.

[@Mario_Lugo]

Aren't they one of the most corrupt football federations?

[@petesmart1983]

But it completely different majority of Nigerian players play in Europe at a extremely young age, most Mexicans play in the domestic league. Plus Nigeria football isn't as good as it once was either

[@woodside4life]

@@petesmart1983 You just literally described an underachiever.

[@Eibarwoman]

@@petesmart1983 But that makes Nigeria even somehow worse than Mexico or the US at underachieving as the US has a relative lack of passion but a rather steady number of players in Europe despite relative lack of passion particularly in the English Championship, Bundesliga, and occasionally within La Liga (usually with 2nd nationalities to count as European under registration) and the Premier League.

[@grayshigami6797]

The problem with Nigeria is that they have amazing strikers but not great players in the other positions

[@jonsmiths6192]

The 2006 Mexican squad was probably the best they’ve had so far. It took the tournaments best goal, probably Maxi Rodriguez’s best career goal, to knock them out.

[@arsevela33]

💯 from there it was all downhill

[@aldogonzalez137]

@@arsevela33nah 2014 was still good after that it’s downhill

[@martinduarte7472]

ARGENTINA MENCIONED 🗣‼️‼️‼️🗣🥩🥩WHAT THE HELL IS ESTABLE ECONOMY 🗣🥩‼️🗣🗣‼️🗣🥩🥩

[@kevinsmoon3257]

@@aldogonzalez137 i agree, that team was solid and after that it became insane disaster after disaster

[@miracleman8022]

@@aldogonzalez137nah they are the same players same quality it’s just every country is getting better Canada Jamaica etc USA and Mexico isn’t getting better they are are the same they were 10 years and everyone is getting better lol …. Don’t say that this is the worst Mexican team excuse it’s just Mexico isn’t improving like other countries are and aren’t taking measures to make Mexico fútbol better

[@Silverpup67]

As someone that was born in Mexico and has lost faith in any World Cup aspirations when a friend of mine that worked for Grupo Caliente told me basically the same. your analysis is 100%.

[@eduardod8051]

You really covered the real issues with our league and national team. I have to admit I wasn’t sure if you were going to touch on those topics, but you did an excellent job (as always)!

[@fernandocorral5643]

as a mexican fan i think this essay was excellent alfie, here's a few extra points which i think add more info > mexican academies seem to greatly neglect the physical side of the game. mexican players on average can compete with amongst the best as seen by those u17 performances but in their latter years we hardly see our players become competitive athletes. this has caused career struggles for guys like Diego Lainez, Diego Reyes, Giovani Dos Santos and Marco Fabian. all guys with exceptional talent but who were never able to perform in europe (although giovani's years at villareal were good). this has caused several struggles in the international stage and has caused major issues against the us particularly recently > televisa (arguably mexico's strongest and most powerful enterprise) has a lot of control on the national team, they own the biggest club in the country in Club America and they consistently force their players onto national team managers with the clearest example having come this summer when Santiago Gimenez, Mexico's best and most inform player coming from a 25+ goal league winning debut season in europe was benched by america striker Henry Martin, a good player but one who often failed to impress in both summer tournaments > managerial appointments have been very poor, from hugo sanchez's failures years ago to the recent disasters of diego cocca and gerardo martino mexico have failed to have any sort of a long term project with a commited, exciting coach (fingers crossed for lozano though he looks impressive). in my lifetime the only mexican manager who has been positively thought of is miguel herrera who even then relied more on popularity and motivation than tactics and arguably underperformed with mexico's golden generation. this is puzzling given that theres a shocking amount of talented football minds in mexico with rafa marquez being barcelona b manager and many other mexicans having roles like carlos aviña being monaco's new director of football amongst others working at fc midtjylland, club brugge and brentford, even with the praise mexican football has received tactically from guys like xavi and pep guardiola and the involvment of carles puyol and fernando hierro in the federation there isnt a tactical blueprint for the main team

[@lordxenu25]

Dude I could not believe that even though santi scored that goal they just went and gave the credit to Henry Martin by saying that he scored the goal because Henry exhausted the defense like what

[@JoseSandoval-uq7rs]

​@lordxenu25 Yea that was insane

[@TMWHickman]

00 2022’s 🎉 6:😂 6:03 😮🎉0

[@TMWHickman]

L 6:03 l🎉 6:03 pp😂ĺllpp🎉lie7l🎉366

[@mellowado6184]

'You might question, what is the point of qualifying for a world cup when you never have any hope of winning it" DAM. I thought I was the only person in the world that thought that 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@elgatoconbotas5]

As a first generation American I grew up idolizing El Tri. The 1998 WC was one of the best teams we've had. The passion and determination they played with was so amazing to see. Blanco and Hernandez lighting up the defense are some of my favorite memories in football. I gave up on liga mx and the national team about a decade ago. Its obvious to anyone who knows even a little about football that Mexico will NEVER win a WC. The people that you mentioned here have ruined the basic infrastructure and most importantly-the culture. There's 1000s of talented players in Mexico, especially in Guadalajara who'll never get the support or opportunity just because of their family's economic status. Liga mx is a joke. Crowning 2 champs per year, liguilla, mediocre foreigners who block academy players from shining and the absolute greed have rotted away el futbol Mexicano.

[@zuffin1864]

Is it possible an american team could start scouting mexican youth and start giving them the finances they need? I know san diego gets an expansion soon, it would be dumb for them to ignore Tijuana. Maybe competition could force change in Mexico

[@JMXico]

As a fan of Mexican football and the Mexican national team since I've been a kid, thank you for informing the English speaking audience about the problems with our football. We Mexicans (and Mexican-Americans) love football, we have talent that could grow, we have experienced personnel in the sport. The problem will always be the owners in control of Mexican football. Funny thing is, as fans we finally got some attention from FMF by many not attending or watching the third place game for the CONCACAF nations league. The result was manager Diego Cocca getting sacked and Lozano winning a gold cup with only a few weeks of work. Money talks unfortunately.

[@CaitSithDubh]

“You might question what the point is of qualifying for every World Cup if you never have any hope of actually winning it” is the most English Football Fan thing I’ve ever heard.

[@dhaenir]

I know, right? Would for example a bronze really be meaningless to let's say Mexico? Only one medal has ever gone to a team outside of either Europe (or rather UEFA, considering Turkey is transcontinetal) or South America; bronze to USA in 1930 where no bronze match was played. I remember thinking how little the bronze seemed to matter to England against (and compared to) Belgium. That match was a foregone conclusion despite that it'd have been England's only ever second medal (and was their third ever top four finnish). For oh so many teams qualifying alone is a huge deal, or getting beyond the group stage, or scoring their first goal, or whatever hurdle is passed.

[@SenanHedderman]

​@@dhaenirIreland would go nuts to qualify

[@wanka6392]

@@SenanHedderman Ants are excited by crumbs, this shouldnt shock anyone

[@IshavedChewbacca]

A banger as always, Alfie! I might add that Mexican and English football share a thing, which is the media overhyping players just to bash them when they cave in to the pressure. The rest of it, spot on, right to the sad prospect of Mexican football never getting better

[@jdwagner1658]

I’ve always had the theory that Mexico’s National team are like the England of the Americas

[@Jbkeditz]

@@jdwagner1658 England is now good. They are now the Germany of the Americas

[@marcospauloschiattarella]

​@@jdwagner1658 The similarities are definitely there. At the league level it may be the "Premier League" of Hispanic America, too.

[@TheRealYeezus2002]

Another comparison I noticed is how both the premier league and liga mx have an issue with every team being rich so it makes it harder for players to leave bottom half clubs without having an insane price tag put on them. Getting a move to a non top 6 club in both the prem and liga mx feel like career suicide with teams having no reason to sell a player since they have money despite having bad results in the league

[@HamiV]

Another great video, Would love to see one about the 2010 New Zealand world cup team as they were actually the only unbeaten team at that world cup

[@weirdtwitter6490]

Ha. Scotland here. We were *that* country at world cups all through the 70s 😢

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

​@@weirdtwitter6490Like when Peru pumped Scotland 3-1 during the Group stage in 1978. Scotland were only unbeaten during the Group stage of the 74 World Cup.

[@lordpembridge303]

I remember that. They drew all three of their group stage matches including drawing against Italy who were current holders of the WC at the time.

[@mellowado6184]

New Zealand has a football culture worth hearing about does it? Maybe after he's made a video about Finnish didgeridoo players.

[@skyzaid263]

Not just that, but NZ in general. Feel like there’s been a lot of interesting stuff happening lately in terms of pathways both at club and international level, for both men and women

[@chrissosa3723]

And to add to that, last week former head coach "Tuca" Ferreti said on live TV that during his time as the national team's interim HC job the federation was forcing him to take players because of sponsorship deals when he wanted to have a competition at certain positions, needless to say it's been obvious how mexico went from an elite goalkeeper factory to a single goalkeeper past his prime that becomes a stone wall for 1 match in the group stage and then folds under pressure in the next

[@bartolomedelmar]

As a Mexican, I can attest that everything stated here is certain and well thought upon. Amazingly researched, on point, great analysis... Good job!

[@carlosduque9721]

This is why you’re the best, Alfie! You randomly surprise me with in depth videos of my favorite team!

[@mismisimognomo101]

I'm watching right now and let me tell you, i'm really hoping you talk about my country of Chile 🇨🇱 on a video in the future. I had the pleasure of being just at the right age to enjoy our back to back Copa America wins, being the first time we won something at a regional level even though we've had some iconic teams with very unlucky under performances and infortunate group draws aswell. Love you, d00d 🖤

[@nicolasklausen8010]

El futuro de la selección es cada vez mas y mas oscuro, está llegando a un punto de no retorno con vidal, felicevich, periodistas, etc. Una verdadera lástima

[@senorpython2262]

That would be a great video because I remember Chile being a dark horse contender in Copa America.

[@Jbkeditz]

@@senorpython2262 ye even at the 2014 they were amazing. Beating world and back to back European Champions in that same speaks some volume

[@chingon784]

As a USMNT fan I love nothing more than bashing Mexico but It’s really a shame what the federation, team owners & tv money has done to them.

[@willflint5014]

Same. I still have to say “L Tri”though.

[@willflint5014]

It is definitely more fun beating Mexico when they are also good.

[@G34RH34D]

And rightfully so since all they do is love to start fights and play dirty. They've been doing this since the 90's. And their fans are the worst that have now infested L.A. and throw bottles, beer and point lasers at their stadiums as well.

[@spiderweb2021]

Also the USA co-hosted the 2026 world cup with Mexico.

[@Tuxedo512]

don't forget the gullible Mexicans, I have seen them complain and protest the federation and then they make one miniscule change and the eat it up and forget all about what they were angry about. those 🤡s disappoint me

[@M1llsF1lms]

Thank you for all you do sevens. Nothing better than a KZbin video ending and that voice piercing the silence lol

[@bobdrago6965]

You have a very sophisticated historical analytical method of presenting. SUBSCRIBED!

[@worldofwilson464]

Having studied abroad in Mexico last year, I had the privilege to go to the Azteca twice seeing both El Tri and América. I saw a lot of passion from football fans and it's disheartening to see Mexican football in such a bad place. Mexico could be as successful as Brazil if they did what Morocco did to get them to the semi final at the last world cup.

[@eg8435]

Park the bus and nationalize diaspora players produced in Europe? Mexico does not have a diaspora in European countries like Morocco...Bad comparison... A better comparison would be Brazil and how they have succeed consistently over 100 years!

[@worldofwilson464]

@eg8435 Of course, Mexico would easily be able to utilise homegrown players, but the Moroccan FA took action to make a difference

[@rafaelg092591]

@@eg8435 But there are in the US, some parts of Europe, and South America (Argentina, Brazil & Uruguay)

[@worldofwilson464]

@rafaelg092591 The thing is, though, is that CDMX GDL and Monterrey are all bursting with potential talent. However, as described in the video, Atlas, América, Chivas, Cruz Azul, Pumas, Tigres and CF Monterrey make no effort to grow great players

[@rafaelg092591]

@@worldofwilson464 And don’t forget the other teams like for example Pachuca who is capting lots of talent throughout Mexico, but it’s not enough as a whole

[@Cris-eo9hv]

As a Mexican I can tell you bro has more knowledge than the a Mexican fan.

[@alexmaceda9212]

As a Mexican American, I can honestly say that here in the US the hype around the players always seems to get to their heads before the even kick a ball, and I wonder if that just leads to unrealistic expectations for the national team and for the players themselves. Sadly, the Mexico national team will never change until the corruption does.

[@hair6789]

Haha fr tho these mexican american tiktokers who overhype our players for a goal they scored years ago

[@ghosty2616]

​@@hair6789ey man, we gotta get happiness from El Tri somehow

[@hair6789]

@@ghosty2616 Lol no problem in appreciating and enjoying old nostalgic moments, but the way you foos do is just embarrassing Haha

[@alkzavaleta7876]

The problem is the press overhyping the players

[@anthonylong9067]

@@alkzavaleta7876i still remember hearing someone hype up Diego Lainez when he signed for Real Betis. Needless to say, that didn’t age well. He did f*ck all when he went there. It’s sad too because he really can ball out if he wanted to

[@Tomassssss14]

Finally got time to watch this video and so glad you have shed some light for those who are unaware. The greed is killing the game in Mexico. It’s depressing to see how this has developed recently. People complain about the players and coach, when the elites are running the show and taking it straight to the ground. Despite some recent changes and future changes, there is no hope. I love Jimmy Lozano and did wonders at the Olympics, but I don’t see him bringing the desired impact we all want as long as those at the top remain. I haven’t supported the national team since 2018 and my interest in Liga MX is dwindling with each passing tournament. Chivas, the team I support, has been rewarded many times despite performing poorly.

[@latinsizer]

The worst decision was to take the competitiveness(relegation) off the league. Mexico is not getting beat by island nations and by developing countries with 1/8th of their population.

[@mismisimognomo101]

Ayyy, HITC hype. Thanks for doing my nights more entertaining, my dude, appreciate all the football knowledge 🖤

[@LuisMartinez-cd6uo]

I haven’t watched it, but as a Mexico fan I know this video is going to be painful to hear😢

[@Trancymind]

The bigger your ego the more it will hurt. The more humble you are the less it will hurt. If you put politics, prejudiced and blame on your opponent countries for your country failures the more blind you are as a person on your own issues.

[@Argenswiss]

The problem with mexico broadly speaking is is that not only do they always have mediocre players, to the point that even their biggest stars would not start for Argentina or Brasil. But they hype them up as if they were world beaters

[@shawklan27]

Exactly

[@animals_are_alive]

That’s the media company that creates those narratives, sadly the average fan believes these mid at best tier players are world beaters

[@Eibarwoman]

They might not even start for the US in some cases and the US isn't exactly a powerhouse.

[@fredymendez855]

@@Eibarwomanthat’s absurd … stop ✋ know you’re just lying to yourself at that point !!!!

[@Eibarwoman]

@@fredymendez855 I might be underrating Liga MX a bit but still, the heavy use of Liga MX players when compared to the USMNT's supply of Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Championship, etc. Particularly Premier League roster players.

[@MrSulfurMustard]

As part Mexican, and a long time supporter of the national team (not anymore, though), this is as painful as it is brutally true. All of it. Great video.

[@prodbyrobak3150]

Don't give up there's hope I gave up on Mexico after this two world cups 2018-2022 but recently they been giving us hope despite how it is rn there's always hope

[@yukiohazamainalvarez7775]

NO

[@derekndIris]

Thank you for posting this

[@jcardboard]

It's interesting how many of the identified problems with youth development apply to Scotland as well, historically. I think we've overcome that (partly due to the influence of England's excellent youth development) and now punch slightly above our weight again but for a long time we had boatloads of talented teenagers who never made it because of cultural distractions. Good video this, Mexico have always seemed to be the latin American Switzerland - qualify for everything but then do nothing at said tournaments.

[@johnnydeleon8210]

The thing is in those early R16 games 2 had huge controversies that could have changed our trajectory, in 2006 we only got beat by the goal of the tournament in 2010 their was an obvious offside goal that was given, in ET in 2014 in the dying minutes had a pk called and was the winner. So granted yes history will read of the stats but the games were full of ambiguity which is more painful because id rather been blown out then to leave it up to a coin flip

[@germanmorra7938]

​​@@johnnydeleon8210 Por ejemplo: ¡¿Qué pasa con el GOL legítimo negado a MARADONA en el partido de octavos de final, en el Mundial 86, vs URUGUAY, y además, otro GOL LEGÍTIMO negado a ARGENTINA vs BÉLGICA?! Y que decir de MARADONA, siendo el jugador más fouleado en aquel Mundial 86 (récord de faltas hasta hoy en un Mundia con 53l), y no recibir ni 1 penal y 0 tarjetas amarillas o rojas a los rivales que le estuvieron pateando BRUTALMENTE durante todo el torneo (y mas aun, concretamente en el partido contra INGLATERRA)?¿Eso no es trampa?! O solo te preocupas por los errores de los árbitros (porque eso fue lo que fue), como pasó muchas veces antes o después para muchos equipos diferentes en diferentes torneos, cuando son a FAVOR de ARGENTINA? Vos decis, que el único error de un árbitro en la historia, fue el del árbitro en el partido entre ARGENTINA e INGLATERRA? ¿Nunca antes o despues de ese PARTIDO de ARGENTINA, hubo un equipo que se benefició de un error arbitral? Qué pasa con el gol que hizo INGLATERRA en la final vs ALEMANIA de 1966, en ese caso, el error arbitral favoreció a INGLATERRA, qué hacemos con ese "trampa"? Por qué ningún jugador de INGLATERRA le dijo al árbitro: "Espera, ese gol debe ser anulado, porque el balón no pasó la línea de gol"? Entonces: ¡¿doble rasero o qué?! ¿Aún no sabes cómo funciona el fútbol? Además: si ese gol con la mano no se debe permitir, entonces el segundo, vale 2!! Para de llorar. Todos los equipos en algún momento se ven beneficiados o al contrario, por errores arbitrales, pasa todo el tiempo, para todos los equipos a lo largo de la historia del deporte y seguirá pasando incluso con el VAR, acostúmbrate!! ¿O crees que a ARGENTINA nunca le "robaron" (siendo perjudicada por un error arbitral)? Miren las finales de ARGENTINA vs ALEMANIA en 1990 o 2014, y vean, como en esos 2 partidos ARGENTINA estaba en la posición que INGLATERRA estaba en México 86!! Crece hombre, esto es fútbol, y SÍ, de hecho, los errores de los árbitros juegan un papel importante en el juego, a veces te favorecen y otras al contrario, pero por favor, ¡¡deja de llorar como un bebé por los errores de los árbitros!! O sea: en el mundial de 1986, MARADONA, recibio 53 faltas!! Record mundial hasta hoy de mas faltas recibidas por un jugador en un mundial (posicion 2, MARADONA en 1990 y posicion 3, MARADONA en 1982)!! Asi y todo, siendo molido a patadas por sus rivales, igual hizo 5 goles y 5 asistencias sobre un total de 14 goles que hizo ARGENTINA en ese mundial!! Esto es: le hicieron el record historico de faltas en un mundial, e igual salio campeon mundial, haciendo 5 goles y 5 asistencias, siendo la figura DESCOLLANTE del torneo!! Y, ENCIMA: no le concedieron ningun penal, ni tiro libre, ni expulsaron a ninguno de los jugadores que lo cago a patadas (pero el es el "tramposo")!! Realmente no lo podian PARAR. El MEJOR...

[@weirdtwitter6490]

This channel is one of my favourite finds on here in years. About 5M subs short of where you should he given the quality level on here. Magic mate 💪

[@fox.3443]

Mexican here, the reason Mexico isn’t a football powerhouse, is the exact same reason we aren’t great in other things; blatant greed and corruption.

[@joaquincataure1840]

Dijeron "arriba los Basados" y saliste volando. Excelente análisis, muy completo y directo.

[@Danywachy]

Im Mexican bu the biggest sport lie that we tell ourselves is that we re full of super stars in the streets that due to the corruption never make it to proffesional or bla bla bla. If that where the case, if we really had so many talents in the streets why are europeans not coming here to take talent for free? Like they do in africa and other countries. No the truth is far more complex, ive noticed that due to our phyisic and genes, we might be good at a teen and juvenile level but then when it is time to jump to adult level many of those kids never develop physically enough to compete at a high level. There are other factors but that is the main factor, speed, size, strengh is not enough for the top level, Im generalizing obviously but that is one of the main reasons and we dont like to admit it. Most national teams now a days if you are not argentina or brazil are full of nationalize players but we are so proud that we only like mexican born players, we will never win anything with that mentality.

[@parkerjacobs6729]

Hi Alfie! Been subbed for a couple of years now and I’m SUPER glad that you finally made a video addressing this! I’m a Mexican American and it simply astonishes me how one of the most fútbol passionate countries in the region if not the world continuously come up short whether in the World Cup, scouting, player development, etc. You touched on this with your PSG video about how players are scouted in one of Paris’s poorer areas end up being some of the best players such as Mbappe and others. It amazes me how Mexico does NOT capitalize on this in any area and are vastly behind other countries when it comes to development. Also is shocking to me how few Mexican players are overseas in Europe. The US is starting to get that right, most of their starting 11 on their A team play for European clubs, why Mexico can’t do that?! Look, I get it, they want “homegrown” talent but to me, that’s more arrogance and selfish simply due to more opportunities for a lot of these players in Europe compared to the Mexican league and even MLS. My first World Cup I watched Mexico play in was 2010. 2014 looking back I thought that they missed a GOLDEN opportunity to advance further in that World Cup despite playing favorites Brazil to an EPIC draw and even took the Netherlands to 90 minutes plus a dumb penalty. To be honest, I thought 2018 was another missed opportunity, not like Brazil did anything fancy in that round of 16 matchup, of course Neymar doing his drama queen routine. We Mexican fans expect our country to do well each time we play in the World Cup, it is just a shame that the higher ups don’t give a damn outside of the supporters. Corruption, greed, disorganization are major factors as you point out. I know Jaime Lozano was recently appointed full time manager and I fully support it, I feel that he gives me SOME hope again. Tata Martino and Diego Cocca failed miserably on that front and the Mexican players celebrating with Lozano after their Gold Cup win over Panama was something we’ve missed for SEVERAL years now. Will I EVER see a World Cup title in my lifetime for Mexico? I hope so, I WANT it to be so, but there’s a ton of work to do and major systemic changes need to be met. Thanks for the vid man, truly appreciate and respect your work! ¡VÁMOS MÉXICO!🇲🇽

[@rafaelg092591]

I think that in part, we are responsible Mexican-Americans and Mexican born citizens that live in the US, because of going to the NFL stadiums, and watching them on TV, and that’s where the Federation, the Owners of the teams, sponsors, promoters, and especially the TV broadcasters take advantage of that. We need to hit those people in where it hurts most, which is in their pockets and bank accounts.

[@Campeon99]

obviously Tata and Cocca failed, they’re traitorous vargentinians that the federation put there cuz god knows why, probably to self sabotage

[@BryanJOSUE18]

Alfie you did a wonderful job with this video. You informed yourself well and explained it thoroughly. As a Mexican-American(part of that diaspora you mentioned) it’s really hard to see our football regress the way it has been. Especially seeing how the US and Canada have lots of young talent coming up and get that opportunity to go to Europe at a young age with no complications like the MX clubs give to young Mexican players. Unfortunately it keeps getting worse. The league preferred joining the MLS and create the “Leagues Cup” instead of returning to the Copa Libertadores and that turned out even worse than expected as no MX team made it to the final and lots of players were injured over a pointless trophy where MLS teams didn’t travel much but LMX clubs traveled lots. Oh well all that’s left is to keep supporting and hope it all turns around for the better soon

[@evryfckinnameistaken]

"Especially seeing how the US and Canada have lots of young talent coming up" you're capping about canada

[@BryanJOSUE18]

@@evryfckinnameistaken Alphonso Davies(22/Bayern Munich/arguably best in his position itw), Jonathan David(23/Lille/top scorer), Ismael Koné(21/Watford), Theo Corbeanu(21/Grasshopper), Jayden Nelsen(20/Rosenborg) then you have Iké Ugbo(Cardiff), Tajon Buchanan(Brugge) and Johnston(Celtic) who are 24. They’re getting better opportunities for development without their clubs getting much in the way to letting them go. The argument here isn’t that they don’t have any “upcoming players” it’s just the different circumstances in which some players can easily play in Europe because they may have ties to a country in the EU, the US is a better example with that.

[@daniel15yearsago66]

Hi Alfie, can we get a video on the top 7 players from the 5th tier of Under 8s amputee league in Kazakhstan that would start over Martial at Manchester United. I've made my own shortlist if you need and I reckon you could fit a few Bob Dylan references in the video. Maybe a few lines from the "Idiot Wind" chorus to describe Martial.

[@weirdtwitter6490]

Saw some cracking 3 legged amputees in the Somali women's 4th tier during a recent ground hopping trip. 🎉

[@daniel15yearsago66]

@weirdtwitter6490 Yes, the leg amputees usually somehow manage to have a better weak foot than Martial too, bit of an odd one really.

[@charanb5026]

Broo whaaaattt???😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@noelaguirrechavez4462]

As i was listening to your video, I thought about adding something to what you were saying but, you hit it out of the park. It's an outsider's perspective on this matter, but it's a great way to see every single flaw soccer has in half an hour.

[@mokari9268]

I had my doubts but this analysis is spot on. I can tell you did your research to really understand the situation. Thank you!

[@jotarokujo9164]

Man Mexico’s story is very similar to my Norway. Our Norway has recently produced dozens of superstars, notably Haaland, yet our last competitive tournament was 23 years ago.

[@fussballmeister301]

But you don't have the population that Mexico has. Imagine the players that Norway would produce with 130 million people or at least half 65 million.

[@zaxfn]

corruption will never be nearly as bad on europe (except for socialist states) as it is in Mexico

[@sunwukong7567]

At least you got beautiful women, good quality of life, far less corruption and illiteracy and no narcos. Just the undesirable immigrants issue.

[@gpcfutbol5821]

​​@@sunwukong7567Norway and Mexican people can atleast eat 3 times a day without having to be a servant, also dont act like Argentina is the safest place on earth😂

[@JAlves88]

I think ur taking the term superstar to lightly. Ya Haaland is up there, but who else was a superstar.

[@heineken716]

surprisingly accurate. Mexican football is trapped between two development models. It wants to follow that of the USA, but lacks the resources. It refusses to follow the southamerican way because team owners deem it too risky, and prefer shortsighted revenue.

[@kem1233]

Basically usa is trying to take over liga mx. Just like right now epl.

[@mortarion4455]

⁠@@kem1233USA take over liga mx what do you mean?

[@Bullwine]

For a long time, each World Cup cycle for Mexico was like Groundhog Day * Come out guns blazing the year after the World Cup, in white hot form. It seems like no one can stop them, with fans and media alike picking them as dark horses for the next World Cup * More talented and/or better coached teams expose the flaws, form starts to dip * Scramble and get their act together in time for the World Cup * Pull off a respectable result against a world power, which helps propel them into the Round of 16 * Find a new way to lose in the Round of 16. This can result from being simply outplayed, penalties, refball, Maxi Rodriguez pulling a wondergoal out of the wardrobe to Narnia, the works Wash, rinse, repeat, at least until 2022 But now? I'm not sure where they go from here. Sure the FMF announced ambitious plans for reform a few weeks back but executing those reforms is another story. Only time will tell if those reforms actually succeed.

[@coolrvrx]

I'll be surprised if we can manage, the now miraculous feat for us, to get out of the group stage. They always find a new way to disappoint.

[@lordvadertheleftie9703]

Are you talking about Mexico or supporting England? We're almost identical, except that we fall apart 2 weeks before the WC begins

[@fussballmeister301]

México a dark horse? (When, even the Mexicans know their national team sucks)

[@Bullwine]

@@fussballmeister301 Early 2010s is when I remember they were hyping their team up to oblivion. Their senior team was in white hot form, and their youth teams were placing in the Top 4 consistently at various youth tournaments, if not winning them. This was also a time where Chicharito was seemingly scoring at will for Manchester United. It wasn't until very recently that reality finally set in.

[@khaitranngoc4176]

@@coolrvrx per the advancement of NA Countries, failing to qualify for the 2030 World Cup is genuinely on the cards.

[@davidpyott3710]

Really interesting as always mate

[@dopeminguez24]

This was one of the best breakdowns on Mexican football I’ve ever heard. 🔥

[@KingSulley]

Funny enough 4 hours before this video was posted Nashville SC, the MLS team, officially knocked out the final LigaMX team from the Leagues Cup competition.

[@WorLCommunity]

no like mx is in a level of mediocricy that they are even losing to NASHVILLE??? WTF IS THAT team .

[@mariomezquita3492]

Awesome video. If you're looking for suggestions for future material, doing a more in depth video about the 'Gentlemen's Agreement' (which allegedly was stopped last year) and how it impacts players from other CONCACAF countries. From an outsider's perspective watching players from my home country (Panama) in Liga MX and the second division in Mexico, it almost feels like that scene in the Godfather Part II where Al Pacino Screams 'I try to get out, but they pull me back in!' Once you enter Liga MX, you only leave when they are done with you, and not a day sooner.

[@khaitranngoc4176]

So the Mexican Cartel, not only harming Mexican football, but CONCACAF Football as a whole, as a significant number of young players (more specifically young CONCACAF players) saw a higher chance of a payday in Mexico, to move there, but not getting their European move if they saw themselves outgrown Liga MX stature. Another reason why the Mexican Cartel is a menace.

[@jadc_06]

As a Mexican American guy who grew up on Mexican culture, all of this really hurt to hear, so many players I’ve heard nvr get these opportunities and it’s so sad, I’m still waiting for mine, but it’s so sad how we’re such an incredible beautiful and huge nation that expects more and nvr really does, and it’s been filled with so many painful and disappointing moments throughout the years, it was an incredible video in which to the common folk really gets them to be informed but to me as a die hard fan it’s so sad that I already knew most of this, and how even when I try to be optimistic I just don’t see it get any better either /:

[@MatiasDypala]

If you want to be a profesional player, gtf out of México right now

[@jcr1time]

This video was done well. 👏👏

[@yurinconromeroalarcon8530]

🇵🇪 Perú vs tuza 🇹🇳 Qatar 2022 mundial

[@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820]

Back in the 2000s the feeling for many of us in the States was that Mexico was the gold standard and the US was still trying to catch up. Yeah, we beat them in 2002, but that was considered a huge upset, and then we bombed out in 2006. I don’t think most people would’ve argued with you if you said that Mexico was the clear class of the confederation. It’s amazing how much things have changed, to where it’s arguable if Mexico is even much better than Costa Rica and Canada, let alone the US. It makes me kind of sad because the US-Mexico rivalry always pushed both of our teams to play better. I hope someday Mexico can finally start fulfilling their potential.

[@arcr1790]

As a Costa Rican myself. I wanted to say that, at least in our case, we have a surprising amount of players playing in Europe and the main reason why our team is not as competitive as it was in Brazil 2014 WC comes down to the administration of the FEDEFUTBOL, our national football federation. I'm not kidding when I say it deserves its own video.

[@rafaelg092591]

And also Guatemala, El Salvador & Honduras, and especially this 1st country of why they don’t qualify in a major World Cup

[@corymiller536]

Who cares about that insignificant country

[@germaan2_109]

Costa Rica was goated 2014 and were so close to beating Netherlands 😢

[@corymiller536]

@@germaan2_109 what's a costa rica????

[@Brucelee89896]

@@corymiller536Jurassic park

[@alecerdmann8505]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe many MLS teams are finally starting to have European-style Youth Academies that are not pay-to-play. I'm not sure how well they reach out to underprivileged communities, but it will definitely help soccer in the US in the long run and could be a problem for Mexico if their teams don't do the same.

[@Jbkeditz]

@EIKaka1 usa is the next footballing powerhouse. Like miltary and economic

[@Jbkeditz]

@Reformperson fax bro.

[@ftwsam2246]

Can't wait to show this one to my relatives 🤣. Stay strong y'all 🇲🇽.

[@BabsW]

2:20 Mentions Mexico's women's team; Shows US national women's team player 😂

[@Aztecgreengo07]

I have been watching this team for 25 years. Every thing you said is spot on.

[@NWFC91]

Thank you for making this video. This will bring more awareness to the corrupt system that Mexican soccer has in place and hopefully put pressure on the higher ups to reform their league from the core.

[@paraguayhastalavistaysenor9404]

As a Paraguayan who live in Canada and the US for most of my life, I can relate to Mexico's struggle. In fact, we are not in a better situation however, Paraguayan football has been robbed of its soul since we last qualified to a World Cup in 2010. The state of corruption killed our hopes. Paraguayan talents, once impressed the world with their domestic clubs being responsible for nurturing like Olimpia and Cerro Porteno, now lost their abilities to play beautifully. They have been stifled of developments by thieves around our country, already one of the poorest in Latin America. Just recently in Copa Libertadores, Cerro Porteno, one of Paraguay's big four and historically a tough challenger, suffered a humiliating 0-4 home loss to Bolivar, a club from Bolivia, one of the weakest nations in South America. It's an embarrassing experience yet telling much about Paraguay's ongoing football crisis.

[@kem1233]

As a.mexican. we love paraguayan players Especiallly salvador cabanas. Difference is u guys do compete in copa libertadores n sudamerica. Since mexico left those tournments. That was liga mx downfall. We instead align with MLS. With these made up cup and all star games. Leagues cup is design to make up for fact we dont go to copa libertadores. Liga mx arent trying anymore. Because its mls. Different with paraguay is u guys test yourselves with comnebol n libertadores n sudamerica. U compete against brazil, argentina, colombia Mexico doesnt have that. We have concacaf champions league. They have to reformat several times for mls aka gringos. Mls vs liga mx? how club america is goin to measure themselves by playing against austin fc or toronto fc? Once upon a time. Club america were beating brazilian clubs. Chivas went in n beat boca juniors in argentina. MEXICO WILL NEVER BE GOOD TIL WE LEAVE CONCACAF. I understand right now. Because whats coming is they will be a merger CONCACAF N CONMEBOL. to rivial uefa. And i know for a fact Americans will be charge of everything. I dont like fact copa america is being played in united state. They will have a river plate vs boca juniors offical match in usa. U need to start looking at what americans r doing in futbol. This is why i dont get this hate towards saudis. Yet usa is basically doing sportswashing.

[@paraguayhastalavistaysenor9404]

@@kem1233 Amigo, yes we competed in South America but any defeats to Bolivia is a sign that we are weak and incompetence. Many South Americans frequently use Bolivia as a measure to find out if they are strong or weak. In here Paraguayan football has declined so much that we could not even defeat Bolivia in the recent World Cup qualification and Copa Libertadores, one of two worst South American teams. In fact Bolivia is only in pair with Honduras, El Salvador, Trinidad y Tobago and Haiti. We have lost our grassroot movement. That's why we sympathized with Mexico so much.

[@coppilcus]

@@paraguayhastalavistaysenor9404 That’s false... Football in South America is always inconsistent, apart from the big two and now apparently three since Uruguay appear to recover some steam after a long hiatus. There’s always a good Colombian, Paraguayan or Chilean generation of players, that can compete with better and bigger teams, just to disappear in the next World Cup cycle. Then a good generation from Ecuador or Peru, just to disappear again a few years later... That has always been the case!

[@paraguayhastalavistaysenor9404]

@@coppilcus The different is these countries can produce talented generations, even when they are not consistent enough. On the other hand, Bolivia cannot produce any talented players saved for the 1994 generation due to state corruption in Bolivian football.

[@halamadridpatriotsnationgo1057]

@@coppilcus we know in south america it's all about argentina and brazil. uruguay are rising, colombia are showing promise. chile, peru, ecuador and venezuela are developing pretty well up to this point. as for paraguay? i hope they can find some answers.

[@apokaliptoh4709]

As a Mexican American this breaks my heart.

[@Trancymind]

You have USA to cheer for.

[@lukealvarez3744]

At least USA have good potential. They gave us England fans a scare in that World Cup group game.

[@Trancymind]

@@lukealvarez3744England record vs USA at the world cup. (0 wins- 2 draws -1 loss). England 1 goal scored in 3 games vs USA.

[@mateofernandez5975]

Mexico is an american country...

[@anthonylong9067]

@@mateofernandez5975do not start that flame war

[@badluck.]

This video is remarkably accurate down to local knowledge of major issues with mexico, i applaud your work. On a personal level the only real answer i have as a longtime fan is to completely disengage from mexican football both at club and NT level; i've given up on watching the games, i haven't gotten to a stadium in years and even more time has passed since i last bought a jersey of the team i used to support. I was sitting in the fence until very recently when i saw the straw that broke my metaphorical back in the gruesome brawl between violent support groups of atlas and queretaro, which expectedly of a deeply corrupt sport was swiftly swept under the rug with no major repercussions, I'd also like to add to your well researched video, issues that seemingly only keep happening here because of rampant corruption, including top flight teams having staff in their youth u20 and u17 being accused of well documented sexual abuse, again with no major repercussion, and also the very clear conflict of interest of a betting house and casino group, owning not only several teams in the league but also being a major sponsor in the domestic league. I sincerely think there's no way the situation can ever change for the better, and i ask to my fellow fans to follow suit and disengage from a sport that thrives among the misery it causes, i really wish to see empty stadiums on a regular basis and maybe only when people stop caring about the sport the owners that have the sport on a chokehold actually try and deliver a better quality league.

[@fedediaz2676]

This was such a good, true and sad video... thanks! Unfortunately nothing is going to happen in the next 15 to 20 years to improve the national team and the leagues.

[@soloh_ugo]

Great video as always, Alfie. As a mexican, it is sad to see the decline of our futbol, basically being in the hands of a few billionares

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you so much for this intelligent, well-researched, though incredibly sad report on the failure of Mexican football for so many decades. Apart from England, most African teams and Germany lately (🤪), you could not have wished for a better draw than Mexico in the group stage or first elimination round. My ❤ goes out to the many incredibly colorful and passionate Mexican fans, who have been and will be screwed for so many years.

[@AlexRN]

Well I’ll be damned. I was skeptical when I saw the title “what’s some foreigner going to know about the complicated bullshit surrounding Mexican football” but you shut me up with a thoroughly researched essay here. Perfection. Kudos!

[@JfinnLoo]

The amount of times you said Mexico and Mexican… every time you said this word I tried to take a shot. I failed. I subscribe It’s good content!

[@0047sssss]

Not suprised that Mexico loves to play matches in the US, the Guatemalan national team loves to play friendly matches in the US because it's more profitable for FEDEFUT than hosting friendlies in Guatemala City

[@_PanchoVilla]

We suck but we're proud. Viva Mexico 🇲🇽

[@dead.inside.585]

Don't hold pride in suck. For your own sake.

[@beno1129]

National pride isn't special. Most human beings in the world have some national pride. It's easy to feel and doesn't cost anything. The actual proof of commitment to your country is to try and make the country a better place. If corruption and inefficiency is blocking progress, then the main focus should be on sober reflection, not pride.

[@urunashua]

Please bro I know it seems but hopeless but don’t accept this mediocrity.

[@goober776]

I aint proud of shit. They are always a let down in the world cups

[@Serch_YB27]

This is the kind of mentality that keeps filling the pockets of the oligarchs that hold our beloved mexican football hostahe. We should be ashamed and not go to stadiums nor tune in to games if we want a little possibility for change.

[@blizzy967]

As a Mexican you explained everything very well 💯😪🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@isaacveynaflores1105]

Mexico has won plenty of world cups at the youth and street level. They just won the 7 a side street World Cup this past week beating Brazil in the final. Some years ago they won another street World Cup scoring 41 goals in 7 games beating Brazil in the final. They’ve also been a powerhouse at the youth level winning world cups despite the best talents in Mexico not even being in the youth setup. Mexico was consistently a top 15 team in the world since the 80s until now. They’ve beaten Brazil in 3 international finals for trophies. They’ve gotten results vs powerhouses such as France, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Holand, and others at world cups. And even when they went to Copa América they got better results in 10 years than 50% of CONMEBOL nations did in 100 years. Mexico is the only team in Copa América history besides Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay to have more wins than losses and a positive goal difference. They’ve gotten top 3 finishes in 5 out of 10 of their Copa América visits. They’ve also managed to produce some good players despite the best talents in Mexico never making it pro. Hugo Sánchez one of the best strikers in Real Madrid history, Rafael Márquez one best defenders in Barcelona history. The fact that Mexico has been so competitive for so long is kind of mind boggling. But time and corruption is catching up ti them. If Mexico starts a competent football project, they could become a powerhouse. But that probably won’t ever happen. Its all about business.

[@toastymansabe]

And this is why Mexico never won anything important, they deluded themselves into thinking they are a powerhouse by winning some tournaments nobody cares about and winning 1 or 2 times against actual powerhouses

[@germanmorra7938]

"Plenty" of WC a lot the youth categories?!!1 under 17 WC and that's it!! What else WC won Mexico?!

[@germanmorra7938]

So "competitive" you call a team that never gets to quarter finals of WC?! You are, consistently "top 15", FIFA ranking, because you play in the shitty CONCAMIERDA confederatiom (nothing from there has any value in football terms speaking)!! 3 times you beat BRAZIL in finals?! Hahaha!! Really?! In what tournament?! In a WC?! Or in COPA "OREO"? You know that BRAZIL took their third team to those second class tournaments?! Not value on those victories, since BRAZIL, don't play seriously that tournament, of course!! You beat some time Germany, France, Italy?! Wow! Most teams do that at some point, the thing is beating those teams in final instances of WC or a relevant tournament (not in COPA "OREO")!! Es easy: it is Mexico a world POWERHOUSE in football?! Nope, and not even close!! Another thing: where do you think, SANCHEZ, MARQUEZ or any of the best mexican players stand in a world history ranking of best football players in history?! They would not even make it even in the TOP 100 of best players in history!! I don't understand why mexas, against all evidence, they still believe they are a POWERHOUSE in football!! According to you: having only gotten to top 8 in a WC, never winning something really important (at club and national teams level), does Mexico a POWERHOUSE in football?! Really?! So: what about BRASIL, GERMANY, ITALY and ARGENTINA or FRANCE?! What they are if Mexico is a football POWERHOUSE, then?! Because, clearly, Mexico, can't stay at the same level of those countries I just mentioned to you!! So?! If Mexico is a POWERHOUSE in football what's left for BRASIL, GERMANY, ITALY, ARGENTINA and FRANCE?!

[@ldillon33]

What an incredible explanation. Thanks!

[@erictalkington5674]

Great video! I often wondered why Mexico's national team is so bad. I just started watching Liga MX last season, but then I gained a shit ton of access to different South American and European football leagues so I quit watching MX. I'm American, grew up and spent my entire life in the States, so it's a wonder in even a fan at all, let alone that sport being all I watch and I watch almost every single match in all competitions or 13-15 teams lol. I always thought when I was growing up that Mexico was MUCH better than that. Though maybe they were back when I was younger since I was born in 81. Very informative and very very good video. Greed ruins an awful lot of stuff in this world, including the world itself. At what point do the super rich FINALLY say, okay we have enough money and enough shit that we just don't need anymore.?? I'll have to check out some of your other videos.

[@Zack-0906]

It's really sad how, Mexico is like almost any other country in America and loves football a lot, but it has one of the worst federations in the world that just loves the money football makes and doesn't care about making the sport in Mexico better.

[@RulliSosa]

I support both the us national team and Mexican national team , and I won’t lie that I always like when Mexico wins since it is my families roots, but I will definitely say that I will likely die before Mexico ever wins a World Cup.

[@kem1233]

Usa team is also horrible. Usa media n propaganda will say they r on rise when besides mexico. Usa hasnt beaten top 10 in over 10 years

[@MightymouseB-gw1sw]

@@kem1233it don’t fukin matter we the US we da best at every thing y el k diga k no me la pela the US is not a power house yet based on the fact soccer in general is irrelevant compared to the other 3 major sports nba nfl mlb shit even hockey nhl are way way more a of priority let soccer be the dominant sport in the states and please tell me the US don’t have the best thing resources to develop a top flight athlete?

[@أفلاكالأفكار]

I feel like this is a good description of Mexico as a whole. With the resources and people they have, they should really be a top-10 country economically, but they are being absolutely starved by small groups of corrupt and selfish gangsters.

[@MrCalexv12]

Thank you for your video I hope it reaches out to a lot of people

[@jpramirez4218]

There's a saying "jugamos como nunca, perdimos como siempre" - translation "We played like never before, but we lost like always" this sums up mexican football.

[@HomeroTV95]

Being Mexican and a football fan brings me so many mixed feelings. Knowing how much talent there is in such a big country, but knowing we’ll never take advantage of it is fucking depressing. It’s all because of the greed that goes into negotiating low quality foreign players. Too much corruption and greed has doomed our national team. We currently have the worst national team of recent history and it shows.

[@MrJosuesini]

Sí, bro, y hoy perdieron contra Venezuela en la Copa América, prácticamente en casa, en LA...

[@MrPresident1878]

For decades, Mexico has become used to beating the brakes off of everyone in CONCACAF while collecting major checks off of a fanbase they know will pay anything to watch El Tri. In addition, thanks to the long indifference of the US & Canada, they were the biggest market for FIFA & CONMEBOL to cash in on. Like there’s a reason they hosted two World Cups before the States in ‘94. Now that the Yanks & Canucks are caring about the sport even marginally, everyone from FMF to Liga MX teams should be shook.

[@he-rq3kt]

due to the economic and overall system of mexico, my uncle was short from being able to play professionally. His friend was able to since he was financially able to join Chivas, where he ended up playing for the mexico national team.😢

[@arsevela33]

Who was the other player?

[@he-rq3kt]

@@arsevela33 if you search his name, it pops up as Alberto Coyote

[@Eric-mt2mk]

As a Mexican football fan, I can say this is an extremely accurate and well done video. Alfie always does a great job researching about the topics of his videos. The only hope that I have of the Mexican national team getting better is for football to become more popular in the US and a lot of Mexican American players choose to play for Mexico. But it's sad that there's almost no hope for all the talented young kids who grow up in Mexico.

[@DiegoRodriguez-cs1ow]

Great vid you should have 1m+ subs by now my friend I just subbed even tho I’ve been watching for quite some time. You’re definitely under rated, cheers. Btw yes I’m Mexican proud of generations past, and hopeful that we get back to those glory days. But the sport is changing high press is changing the sport into something else. Speed is king now and Mexico never had speed. We thrived with clean ball control now it’s obsolete in the modern game. Perhaps we won’t see Mexico at the top of any sport because we don’t produce sheer atheletes, our people’s bodies are among the most mediocre for whatever reason.

[@quartermaster1976]

Highest diabetes in the world for a country of 5 mil or more only Kuwait, and the Pacific Islanders have it worse. There was a thriving private prosthetic 🦿 leg industry for a while even Americans were buying Mexican prosthetic legs because the price was so good diabetes were causing the need to amputate. This was in the late 2000's. Carbs were killing Mexico but things are better now but it will take time to fix we'll see how well you do in the Olympics.

[@Anthony-vk7kp]

For anyone wondering why it isn’t doing well now, it’s bc the federation is also some of the most greedy and corrupt people in Mexican football. We were supposed to get Bielsa in, but the board of owners on the NT rejected him and put in a guy who was the former manager of a team owned by one of the owners in the federation. For as long as we have people like them in our team, we’ll never perform well. The talent in Mexico is there (current players like Lozano and prospects like Ambriz, Orozco, and others prove it) but we’ll never perform well due to the same reason why the rest of the country won’t perform well.