Ricardo Peláez
Mexican football legend turned executive and 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.
- Role
- Forward / Attacking Midfielder
- Primary Club
- Necaxa
- Era
- 1985–2000
- Status
- Retired Legend
- Key Tournament
- 1998 FIFA World Cup
Verified Timeline
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. Following his retirement, Peláez has assumed the role of football executive and sports analyst.
In Their Own Story
The highlight of Peláez's international career occurred during the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he scored two crucial goals for Mexico. In a 3–1 victory against South Korea, he netted the equalizer to secure the win. Later, in a tense 2–2 draw against the Netherlands, he found the back of the net again with his second tournament goal. Over the course of his international tenure, he earned 43 caps and scored 16 goals for El Tri. His club success was equally impressive; under his leadership as Sporting President at Club América from November 8, 2011, the team reached four finals and won two league titles alongside two CONCACAF Champions Cup trophies. His executive tenure also saw a Copa MX victory with Cruz Azul in his first season after joining in May 2018.
Reader's Guide
Peláez scored two goals in the 1998 World Cup: the equalizer against South Korea in a 3–1 win and his second goal in a 2–2 draw against the Netherlands. Overall Peláez capped 43 times for Mexico and scored 16 goals. He has lent his voice alongside commentator Enrique Bermúdez to be the Spanish language commentators for the FIFA videogames for the editions from 2006 to 2012.
Did You Know?
- Peláez scored 158 goals for Necaxa, making him the club's all-time leading scorer.
- He won two league titles with Necaxa, in 1994-95 and 1995-96.
- Peláez was the Spanish-language voice for FIFA video games from 2006 to 2012.
- He served as Sporting President of Club América and later as Director of Football for Cruz Azul and Guadalajara.
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.
Why is Ricardo Peláez important to Mexican football?
His legacy stands out because he evolved from a record-breaking scorer into an architect of modern success for major clubs like Club América. This dual impact as both a legendary player and influential executive cements his status in the sport's history.
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