The Roots of Mexican Soccer

Soccer has been a part of Mexican tradition since before the Europeans knew there was a Mexico. Although not in the form we see today, many ancient Mexican people played a game that was very similar to modern soccer. In those time the field was “I” shaped with a ring attached to the wall at each end. As in current soccer, the object was for each team to get the ball through the opposing teams ring to score points. In this game, however, the use of hands was permitted. They had to toss the ball through the ring to score the points.

By the time the game we now know as soccer reached Mexican shores, it was a game for the elite and not for the commoner. By the early 1900’s the game had spread all across the country and the first soccer club was formed. Teams such as the America, Atlante and the Necaxa are the oldest clubs in the country and were formed in the 1940’s. Mexican soccer teams are consistently ranked in the top 10 in the world and work very hard to maintain that ranking. Since soccer is such a popular sport all over the world and there are so many teams that are excellent, it takes drive, determination and the will to keep their ranking. They work diligently every day to improve their skills not only as individuals but also as a team.

Soccer’s international appeal draws many people to watch and also to learn the game. This includes many of Mexico’s youth. They have probably watched the game all of their life and see the advantages that the players have over the every day citizen. They also see that the humble beginnings of many of the players has not been a detriment to them and realize that it doesn’t have to be for them either.

Some of the more famous Mexican soccer players have been an inspiration to the young people of their country. Players such as Alberto Garcia Aspe and Carlos Hermosillo have brought themselves and their country great acclaim in the international soccer world. That tradition is being carried on by current players such as Chauhtemoc and Jered Borgetti who are also receiving notice outside of their own country.

Soccer’s appeal has grown by leaps and bounds since the early days of the Aztec’s throwing a ball through a ring. It has achieved international notice due to its fans as well as it talented players.