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From rebellious youth to Mexico's World Cup debut: 'Hormiga' González eyes Europe
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

From rebellious youth to Mexico's World Cup debut: 'Hormiga' González eyes Europe

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Armando 'Hormiga' González's participation in the 2026 World Cup is seen as a stepping stone to a European career.
  • González, 23, has achieved significant success in the Mexican league, being named MVP of the Clausura 2026 and co-top scorer in Apertura 2025.
  • His father believes González's professionalism and mentality make him well-suited for European football, despite a past offer from a Russian club.

Armando González, known by his nickname 'Hormiga' (Ant), is poised to leverage his inclusion in Mexico's 2026 World Cup squad as a launchpad for a career in European football. The 23-year-old striker, a product of Chivas de Guadalajara's youth system, has already made a significant impact in the Mexican league and on the international stage.

His father, former player Luis Armando González Bejarano, expressed strong confidence in his son's potential to succeed in Europe. "I see him playing in Europe because of his mentality, the way he conducts himself, his professionalism. I see him playing there," Bejarano stated in an interview. González's impressive performance saw him named the most valuable player of the Mexican league's Clausura 2026 tournament and a co-top scorer in the Apertura 2025 season.

I see him playing in Europe because of his mentality, the way he conducts himself, his professionalism. I see him playing there.

— Luis Armando González BejaranoArmando González's father, expressing his belief in his son's potential for a European career.

These accolades led to his call-up by national team coach Javier 'Vasco' Aguirre for seven friendly matches and ultimately, a spot on the 2026 World Cup roster. González made his debut in the tournament's opening match at the historic Estadio Ciudad de México. Despite receiving an offer from a Russian club a few months prior, González and his family opted to wait for a more suitable opportunity, prioritizing long-term development over immediate financial gain.

I have great faith that he will achieve that dream; he has earned the merits, he is a top scorer, he is in a World Cup. Now we have to wait and see if a team sees his potential, others have gone there for much less.

— Luis Armando González BejaranoReflecting on his son's accomplishments and the potential for future success.

Bejarano emphasized that his son has earned his achievements through hard work and dedication. "I have great faith that he will achieve that dream; he has earned the merits, he is a top scorer, he is in a World Cup. Now we have to wait and see if a team sees his potential, others have gone there for much less," he said. He also highlighted the invaluable experience González will gain playing under Aguirre, a coach with extensive World Cup experience.

The article also touches upon González's personal transformation, crediting football with changing him from a "rebellious child" with poor eating habits and a dislike for school into a disciplined young man. He maintains a focus on his online studies, interacts positively with fans, and lives with his supportive family, who have instilled in him the values of humility and authenticity.

These kids have great fortune because Javier was a World Cup player, assistant, and coach three times, so who better than him to guide them.

— Luis Armando González BejaranoHighlighting the benefit of playing under experienced coach Javier Aguirre.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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