Qualifying for the World Cup 16 times since the World Cup tournament launched in 1930, El Tri has seen some of the world’s most talented players wear the tricolor kit. Here are Mexico’s top players known for their longevity, as ranked by their number of caps.
Andrés Guardado, 179
With 178 international appearances, the midfielder Andrés Guardado has become a staple for El Tri. His participation includes five World Cups, three Gold Cups, two Copa América contests, and two Confederations Cups. His honors include winning the 2011 and 2015 Gold Cups and earning recognition as one of the best full-backs from the 2006 World Cup.
Guardado is the Mexican player with the most seasons in Europe (15), where he’s played over 500 matches.
Claudio Suarez, 177
Defender Claudio Suarez made 177 appearances for the Mexico side, participating in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups as captain. He continues to hold the records for the most games played for El Tri. His silverware includes the FIFA Confederations Cup of 1999 and three CONCACAF Gold Cups: 1993, 1996, and 1998.
Guillermo Ochoa, 151
Guillermo Ochoa has been Mexico’s most reliable goalkeeper. Qatar 2022 will be the goalie’s 5th World Cup. The 37-year-old is the most capped Mexican goalkeeper in history (152 caps) and was named the best Mexican player of the 2018 World Cup. He was also the first Mexican nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2007.
Pável Pardo, 146
Defensive midfielder Pável Pardo wore the tricolor kit for 13 years. With 146 caps, he matches Gerardo Torrado and Rafael Márquez for most appearances. He helped the national side win two CONCACAF Gold Cups and the 1999 Confederations Cup and also played in two World Cups.
Gerardo Torrado, 146
With 146 caps, defensive midfielder Gerardo Torrado played fourteen years and three World Cups for Mexico. His international awards include a 1999 Confederations Cup trophy and two CONCACAF Gold Cups in 2009 and 2011.
Rafael Márquez, 146
A dependable and skillful defender, Rafael Marquez has played nearly 150 games with Mexico, becoming the first player to captain a national side in 4 World Cups. Marquez played in 2018 World Cup in Russia where the team lost to Brazil in the round of 16 — he’s only the fourth player in history to participate in five World Cups in addition to compatriot Antonio Carbajal.
Jorge Campos, 130
Campos played in two World Cups with Mexico’s goalie, collecting 130 caps throughout his international career. Standing at only 5’6 but playing like an acrobatic six-footer, Campos sported some of the flashiest and baggiest colored kits that made a pleasure to watch.
Carlos Salcido, 124
With 124 caps, defender Carlos Salcido’s career for El Tri spanned a decade where he played in three World Cups and three Gold Cups. In addition to a 2011 Gold Cup trophy, he also helped his team win gold in the Summer Olympics 2012.
Ramón Ramírez, 121
Ramón Ramírez played nearly a decade for El Tri as a midfielder where he was part of the sides that won the CONCACAF Gold Cup three times (1993, 1996, and 1998). He also played in two World Cups, playing an important role in the 1994 side that went all the way to the Round of 16 before losing to Bulgaria.
Cuauhtémoc Blanco, 120
The forward Cuauhtémoc Blanco made 120 appearances for the Mexican side, slotting in 39 goals. He’s scored in three different World Cups (1998, 2002, and 2010), and won the Confederations Cup in 1999 where he scored six goals. With an additional three goals from the 1997 Confederations Cup, he holds the record with Ronaldinho for most goals ever scored during a Confederations Cup.
Alberto García-Aspe, 109
Playing in three FIFA World Cup tournaments, García Aspe ended up with 109 caps and 21 goals. A true midfield playmaker, he became the first Mexican to score at two different World Cups. He also played on the 1999 Confederations Cup team.
Javier Hernández, 109
Javier Hernández, commonly known by his nickname Chicharito or ‘little pea,’ is the top scorer for the national side. Known for his great anticipation in front of goal, he’s netted 52 goals in 109 appearances with El Tri.
