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. GIMENEZ

    Mexico return to iconic green with Aztec-inspired WC kit

    Mexico have revealed the jersey they’ll wear at the 2026 World Cup, marking a return to the traditional green that fans have long associated with El Tri. Inspired by the nation’s cultural roots, the kit features subtle Aztec motifs and will debut on Nov. 15 against Uruguay in Torreón - months before Mexico open the tournament on home soil.

  2. Range: Chivas are a team no one will want to face in the Liguilla

    Chivas are in one of their best runs in recent memory. Since Gabriel Milito’s arrival as manager, the red-and-white side has rediscovered its identity, becoming one of the Apertura 2025’s most exciting teams. With six wins in their last seven matches, El Rebaño currently hold a direct Liguilla spot and will close the regular season with a high-stakes clash against Monterrey.

  3. Club América welcome back Zendejas after injury

    USMNT and Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas has recovered from the muscle injury he sustained during the October international window while on duty with the United States. The setback sidelined him for three league matches, but after returning to full training this week, he’s ready to feature in Saturday’s season finale against Toluca.

  4. Milito defends Chicharito despite limited minutes with Chivas

    Javier Hernández has appeared in just four of Chivas’ 16 Apertura 2025 matches, and it’s increasingly likely the club won’t extend his contract when it expires in December. The veteran striker and Mexico legend may not see much action on the pitch, but manager Gabriel Milito says his value goes far beyond goals, pointing to Hernández’s experience and leadership within the squad.

  1. FMF backs Aguirre’s process toward 2026 World Cup

    Despite Mexico’s recent struggles on the field, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) remains confident in Javier Aguirre’s leadership as El Tri prepares for the 2026 World Cup. The veteran coach, who took over to stabilize a team in transition, has faced mounting criticism following a series of underwhelming results.

  2. Varas: 'Chucky' Lozano could return for Game 2 against Timbers

    Hirving “Chucky” Lozano could be nearing a return for San Diego FC after missing recent matches due to an internal issue. The Mexican international was left out of the squad for Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers in the MLS Cup Playoffs opener, marking his second consecutive absence. Head coach Mikey Varas indicated that Lozano may be available for the second game of the best-of-three series, provided his progress continues smoothly throughout the week.

  3. 'We’ll see' - Juárez on Ramsey's future after dog abduction

    Former Arsenal and Wales international Aaron Ramsey is enduring a difficult period in Mexico after the abduction of his dog during a short family trip. The incident has kept him out of Pumas’ recent matches, with Ramsey and his family sharing emotional posts expressing their distress. With no timeline yet for his return, his future in the Auriazul shirt remains uncertain.

  4. Miami's Lionel Messi wins MLS October Player of the Month

    After closing out the MLS regular season on a dominant streak, Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi has been named MLS Player of the Month for October 2025, following a stunning run of five goals and five assists in his last three matches. Thanks to his influence, the Herons finished the month with a perfect record of three wins and no losses, securing third place in the Eastern Conference.

  5. Navas reveals he wanted to play striker before becoming goalkeeper

    After joining Pumas UNAM to be closer to his family and move on from a tough stint in Argentina, Keylor Navas opened up about his early football dreams - revealing he once wanted to lead the attack instead of guard the net. The 38-year-old Costa Rican legend, who starred for Real Madrid and PSG, has quickly become one of Pumas’ key figures in Liga MX.