Ricardo Peláez
Mexican former footballer and executive, now ESPN analyst.
Ricardo Peláez Linares (born 14 March 1963) is a Mexican former professional footballer who currently works for ESPN Deportes and ESPN Mexico as an analyst.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Ricardo Peláez Linares
- Born
- 14 March 1963
- Birthplace
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Position
- Striker
- Total caps
- 444
- Total goals
- 171
Lore & Background
Peláez began his professional career with Club América, subsequently transferring to Necaxa two years later. He emerged as a pivotal player for the team, amassing more than 300 appearances and netting 158 goals, which established him as the club's all-time top scorer. He had a short return to Club América before concluding his career at Guadalajara. Peláez represented the Mexico national team at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Reader's Guide
Peláez started his career as an accountant. After finishing his studies in accounting, he worked in public accountancy, which he found boring. He then tried out for Club América at age 23 and was placed in the first team. He made his debut with Club América in 1985, winning the Prode 85 title.
His best years came with Necaxa, winning the league twice (1994-95 and 1995-96), the Campeón de Campeones in 1994-95, and the Campeón de Copa in 1995-96. He scored 158 goals for Necaxa, many headers, making him the club's all-time leading scorer. After a brief return to Club América between 1997 and 1998, he joined Guadalajara, finishing as runner-up to Necaxa in Torneo Invierno 98. He retired in 2000.
Peláez was part of the Mexico national team at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, scoring two goals: an equalizer against South Korea in a 3–1 win and a goal in a 2–2 draw against the Netherlands. He earned 43 caps and scored 16 goals. As an executive, he was named Sporting President of Club América on 8 November 2011, signing Miguel Herrera as manager. He was Sporting Director of the Mexico national team before the 2014 World Cup, returning to Club América after the tournament.
He left as Sporting President in April 2017. Under him, América reached the playoffs four times, winning two league titles and two CONCACAF Champions Cup titles. He became Director of Football for Cruz Azul on 7 May 2018, signing a two-year contract, and in his first season the team won the Copa MX final. He was announced as Guadalajara's Director of Football for the 2020 Clausura, but his contract was terminated on 11 October 2022 after a playoff loss.
Outside football, he became a commentator for Televisa in 2004 and was the Spanish-language commentator for FIFA video games from 2006 to 2012. From September 2017 to May 2018, he worked as an analyst for ESPN Deportes and ESPN Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ricardo Peláez?
Ricardo Peláez Linares is a retired Mexican football icon born on March 14, 1963, who played primarily as a forward. He gained fame for his time at Necaxa and later represented his country in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
What was Ricardo Peláez's playing role?
During his active career, Peláez operated mainly as a forward and attacking midfielder between 1985 and 2000. His offensive capabilities made him the all-time top scorer for Necaxa with 158 goals in over 300 matches.
Which clubs did Ricardo Peláez play for?
Although he started at Club América, his most significant tenure was with Necaxa before brief returns to América and a stint at Guadalajara. These clubs formed the backbone of his domestic career in Liga MX.
What happened after Ricardo Peláez retired?
Following retirement, he transitioned into football management, serving as Sporting President of Club América from 2011 to 2017. He also held director roles at Cruz Azul and Chivas before leaving his last position in October 2020.
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