Alejandro Orellana

Alejandro Orellana

U.S. Staff Writer

Bio: I’m a sports journalist based in Mexico City, the chaotic heart of a country where football is a way of life. Here, I cover three of Liga MX’s biggest clubs - América, Cruz Azul, and Pumas - along with the Mexico national team, regularly reporting from Club América’s press conferences and matches. I also cover Inter Miami and especially enjoy telling the stories of Latino players making their mark in MLS. While football is my primary beat, I’ve also built a career in Olympic sports, highlighted by the honor of covering my first Olympic Games at Paris 2024.

My Football Story

Since childhood, I always knew I wanted to be a sports journalist. From listening to TV commentators’ calls to understanding the tactics and “why” behind the game, football has been a constant journey of learning. Conversations with my father, grandfather, family members, diehard fans, experts, former players, and active professionals have all shaped my perspective. In Mexico, football is lived and debated in a unique way - everyone has an opinion, and every chat brings new lessons.

Areas of Expertise

• The Mexican National Team and Mexicans playing in Europe

• Everything related to Liga MX

• On-the-ground reporting and storytelling - because I’m relentless when it comes to chasing a story.

Favorite Football Memory

As a kid, I collected every World Cup sticker album I could get my hands on. I spent countless hours reading player bios, learning about the clubs they played for, the World Cup stadiums, and the qualification journeys of each nation. Growing up, access to Europe’s top leagues was limited, but those albums introduced me to my idols - Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane, Gabriel Batistuta, and many more. In the 2002 World Cup, at just six years old, I began following the Mexican National Team. With the games taking place in the early morning hours, I fell asleep and woke up to my father telling me the next day that Mexico had lost to the United States in the Round of 16 - the day the famous “dos a cero” was born.

My All-Time XI (4-4-2)

Gianluigi Buffon; Cafú, Franco Baresi, Carles Puyol, Paolo Maldini; Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane; Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazário.

Articles by Alejandro Orellana
  1. Mascherano addresses Suárez’s role amid Berterame rumors

    Inter Miami returned to training this week to begin preparations for the 2026 season, with head coach Javier Mascherano quickly addressing questions about Germán Berterame’s potential arrival and what it could mean for Luis Suárez’s role. New signing Facundo Mura also spoke for the first time as a Herons player, calling it a dream to share the locker room with Lionel Messi.

  2. USA, Mexico slide in FIFA men's rankings after AFCON shake-up

    The January 2026 FIFA World Ranking was heavily influenced by the conclusion of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with several African nations making major gains. Senegal’s strong tournament run pushed them up seven places to 12th overall, directly affecting both the USMNT and Mexico, who dropped to 15th and 16th, respectively.

  3. BRAZIL

    Brazil reign supreme at Kings World Cup Nations 2026 in São Paulo

    Brazil once again ruled the Kings World Cup Nations, defeating Chile 6-2 in a spectacular final at a sold-out Allianz Parque. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Seleção delivered a dominant performance to retain the title, blending attacking flair, resilience, and showmanship on a night watched by millions worldwide.

  1. Brazil defend Kings World Cup crown vs unbeaten Chile

    The Kings World Cup Nations 2026 final is set to unfold on Saturday, Jan. 17, as defending champions Brazil face unbeaten Chile at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, with a full-night program of football and live entertainment surrounding the championship match.

  2. Rose Lavelle named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year

    Rose Lavelle has been voted the 2025 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, earning the honor for the first time in her decorated international career. The award caps a standout year in which the longtime U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder played a central role for both club and country. Lavelle overcame a delayed start to the season following ankle surgery.