Efraín Álvarez becomes first Chivas player since Alexis Vega to wear No. 10 jersey; USMNT’s Cade Cowell also switches numbers

As Chivas gear up for their Apertura 2025 campaign, one of the most talked-about updates surrounds the squad number assignments - especially for one of their marquee signings, Efraín Álvarez. The attacking midfielder has chosen to take on the legendary No. 10 jersey, a number that carries weight and history within the club.

The shirt had remained unused since Alexis Vega left in late 2023, and Álvarez - who joins from Tijuana after a stint in MLS with LA Galaxy - is now aiming to bring new life to the emblematic number. Seen as a creative force in the final third, Álvarez’s decision to wear the 10 reflects his confidence and the trust placed in him by head coach Gabriel Milito, who sees him as central to the team’s attacking strategy.

Chivas also unveiled the complete list of squad numbers for their Apertura 2025 roster. Among the notable changes: Bryan González will wear No. 5, Richard Ledezma has been assigned No. 37, and Diego Campillo keeps No. 19. Goalkeeper Óscar Whalley switches to No. 13, while U.S. international Cade Cowell takes over the No. 7 shirt, previously unassigned. Omar Govea will wear No. 6, and Teun Wilke takes No. 29.

With these updates finalized, Guadalajara are now fully focused on what they hope will be a breakout season under Milito’s leadership. The addition of Álvarez adds a new creative dimension to the squad - and he could form a dangerous front line partnership with Alan Pulido, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, Roberto Alvarado, and Cowell.

Álvarez’s proven skillset - from precise passing to vision in tight spaces - makes him one of the most intriguing players to watch as the tournament gets underway. Although Chivas will sit out the league’s opening weekend, anticipation is already building around what this new-look squad can accomplish.

1 – Raúl Rangel
2 – Alan Mozo
3 – Gilberto Sepúlveda
4 – Miguel Tapias
5 – Bryan González
6 – Omar Govea
7 – Cade Cowell
9 – Alan Pulido
10 – Efraín Álvarez
11 – Isaac Brizuela
13 – Óscar Whalley
14 – Javier Hernández
15 – Erick Gutiérrez
17 – Luis Romo
18 – Luis Olivas
19 – Diego Campillo
21 – José Castillo
23 – Daniel Aguirre
24 – Miguel Gómez
25 – Roberto Alvarado
26 – Hugo Camberos
27 – Leonardo Sepúlveda
28 – Rubén González
29 – Teun Wilke
31 – Yael Padilla
33 – Raúl Martínez
34 – Armando González
37 – Richard Ledezma

Chivas will play another friendly match this Saturday against Leones Negros, as their Week 1 fixture against Tigres has been postponed. As a result, El Rebaño’s official debut in the Apertura 2025 will take place on July 19, when they visit James Rodríguez and Club León.