Diego Antonio Reyes Rosales (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈdjeɣo anˈtonjo ˈreʝes]; born 19 September 1992) is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Liga MX club Tigres UANL. He is an Olympic gold medalist.[2]

Diego Reyes
Reyes with Mexico in 2017
Personal information
Full name Diego Antonio Reyes Rosales[1]
Date of birth (1992-09-19) 19 September 1992 (age 32)
Place of birth Mexico City, Mexico
Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)[1]
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
Tigres UANL
Number 13
Youth career
2006–2009 América
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2013 América 83 (3)
2013–2015 Porto B 25 (3)
2013–2018 Porto 20 (2)
2015–2016Real Sociedad (loan) 27 (2)
2016–2017Espanyol (loan) 34 (1)
2018–2019 Fenerbahçe 8 (0)
2019Leganés (loan) 6 (0)
2019– Tigres UANL 121 (6)
International career
2009 Mexico U17 6 (0)
2011 Mexico U20 13 (0)
2011–2012 Mexico U23 12 (1)
2011–2019 Mexico 65 (2)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Mexico
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2012 London Team
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 2011 Guadalajara Team
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Winner 2015 United States-Canada Team
Winner 2019 United States Team
FIFA U-20 World Cup
Third place 2011 Colombia
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 24 August 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 6 September 2019

Reyes made his professional debut with Club América in April 2010,[3] and won his first league title in 2013. He joined FC Porto that same year, but spent a majority of his time loaned out to Spanish sides Real Sociedad and Espanyol.

At international level, Reyes has played for various national youth teams for Mexico, including the under-20 team which finished third at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[4] He was also a part of the under-23 squad that won the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, playing in every match. He has represented Mexico at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2013 and 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Club career

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América

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Reyes rose from América's youth academy and was considered one of their young prospects. He debuted for the club on 25 April 2010 at the age of 17 in a league match against Santos Laguna at the Estadio Azteca, appearing as a substitute in the 86th minute for Ángel Reyna who scored the game's only goal.[5] Reyes scored his first goal against Estudiantes Tecos during the Clausura 2011 tournament. He would score his second goal against Morelia in a 2–3 quarter-final loss that same tournament. He gradually cemented his spot in the team's starting eleven.

Reyes played his final match with América on 26 May 2013, playing in the final of the Clausura tournament against Cruz Azul, though only playing in 26 minutes of the match. Due to the expulsion of Jesús Molina, Reyes was moved into the midfield, but was subsequently substituted off for Miguel Layún.[6]

Porto

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On 17 December 2012, it was announced Reyes would be transferring to Portuguese club FC Porto on 1 July 2013 for a €7 million transfer fee,[7][8][9][10] with half of the €3.5 million transfer fee backed by Gol Football Luxembourg as part of James Rodríguez's repurchase from Gol Football.[10]

Reyes made his debut for Porto on 13 July in the final of the Valais Cup against French club Marseille, coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute of the match. Fellow Mexican teammate Héctor Herrera also made his debut with Porto in the same match which ended in a 3–0 victory.[11]

Loan to Real Sociedad

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On 14 July 2015, Spanish La Liga club Real Sociedad announced they had reached an agreement with Porto over a season-long loan deal for Reyes, with no option to purchase outright.[12][13] Reyes made his debut on 22 August in a 0–0 draw against Deportivo de La Coruña.[14] On 18 October, he received his first red card with Real Sociedad in the 0–2 defeat to Atlético Madrid, receiving two yellow cards in the span of two minutes for dissent.[15]

On 8 February 2016, Reyes scored his first goal for Real Sociedad in the 5–0 away win over RCD Espanyol.[16]

Loan to Espanyol

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Reyes playing for Espanyol in 2017.

On 31 August 2016, Reyes joined Spanish side Espanyol on a season-long loan deal, with the club having the option to purchase the player at the end of the loan.[17] On 30 October, Reyes scored his first goal for Espanyol in the 0–1 away win over Real Betis.[18]

Fenerbahçe

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On 25 August 2018, Reyes joined Turkish club Fenerbahçe on a three-year deal.[19] On 1 September 2018, he would make his debut with the team in 2–3 loss against Kayserispor.

On 25 August 2019, Fenerbahçe terminated his contract.

Loan to Leganés

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On 31 January 2019, Reyes returned to Spain by joining CD Leganés on loan for the rest of the season.[20]

Tigres UANL

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On 26 August 2019, Reyes returned to Mexico and joined Tigres UANL on a four-year contract.

International career

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Youth

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Reyes was selected by coach José Luis González China to participate in the CONCACAF under-17 Championship in 2009. Mexico eventually qualified to the under-17 World Cup and reached the Round-of-16.

In 2010, Reyes played the Milk Cup with the under-20 team. The following year, Reyes was selected by coach Juan Carlos Chávez to participate in the CONCACAF under-20 Championship. Mexico qualified to the under-20 World Cup and finished in third place, defeating France 3–1. Prior to the World Cup, Reyes also participated in the Toulon Tournament.

Reyes was selected to participate in the 2011 Pan American Games with the under-23 national team. Mexico won the gold after defeating Argentina 1–0 in the Final.

In 2012, Reyes was a part of the under-23 team that won the gold medal at the 2012 Toulon Tournament, defeating Turkey 3–1 in the Final. He made the final cut for the squad participating in the 2012 Summer Olympics, where he played in every match, including in the 2–1 win over Brazil in the gold medal match at Wembley Stadium on 11 August.[21] At 19 years old, Reyes was the youngest squad member at the Olympics.

Senior

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Reyes made his debut with the senior national team at the 2011 Copa América; however, Mexico used their under-22 squad in the tournament. He made his full debut on 25 March 2013 in a 2014 World Cup qualification match against the United States at the Estadio Azteca. Reyes also participated in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, playing his only match in a 2–1 victory against Japan.

Reyes captained Mexico for the first time during a friendly match against South Korea on 29 January 2014. He was given the captain's armband after Rafael Márquez was substituted off in the second half in the 4–0 victory.

Reyes played against the Netherlands in the 2014 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match. He entered the match as a substitute for Héctor Moreno, who suffered an injury in a slide-tackle with Arjen Robben.

In May 2018, Reyes was named in Mexico's squad for the World Cup, despite being at the time in recovery from a hamstring injury,[22] he was subsequently ruled out of the tournament after not having satisfactory progress.[23]

Style of play

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Reyes has been described as "intelligent in his positioning, comfortable in possession and strong in the air",[24] as well as being praised for "his ability to time challenges play crisp passes and keep possession when under pressure".[25] Though mainly a defender, Reyes has also been deployed as a defensive midfielder throughout his career.[26]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of 11 May 2024[27]
Club Season League Cup Continental Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
América 2009–10 1 0 1 0
2010–11 19 2 5 0 24 2
2011–12 28 0 28 0
2012–13 35 1 6 0 41 1
Total 83 3 6 0 5 0 94 3
Porto B 2013–14 18 3 18 3
2014–15 7 0 7 0
Total 25 3 25 3
Porto 2013–14 5 0 5 0 4 0 14 0
2014–15 3 0 4 0 2 0 9 0
2017–18 12 2 6 1 6 0 24 3
Total 20 2 15 1 12 0 47 3
Real Sociedad (loan) 2015–16 27 2 1 0 28 2
Espanyol (loan) 2016–17 34 1 1 0 35 1
Fenerbahçe 2018–19 8 0 2 1 4 0 14 1
Leganés (loan) 2018–19 6 0 6 0
Tigres UANL 2019–20 8 0 2 0 11 0
2020–21 23 3 4 0 27 3
2021–22 29 1 29 1
2022–23 32 1 2 0 34 1
2023–24 24 1 3 0 27 1
2024–25 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 116 6 11 0 127 6
Career total 319 17 25 2 32 0 376 19

International

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As of 6 September 2019[28]
Mexico
Year Apps Goals
2011 3 0
2013 7 0
2014 7 0
2015 14 0
2016 9 0
2017 13 1
2018 4 0
2019 8 1
Total 65 2

International goals

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Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first.[29]
No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 28 March 2017 Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago   Trinidad and Tobago 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
2. 15 June 2019 Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States   Cuba 3–0 7–0 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Honours

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América

Porto

Tigres UANL

Mexico

Mexico U23

Individual

References

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  1. ^ a b "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of players" (PDF). FIFA.com. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
  2. ^ "Olympics football: Mexico shock Brazil to win gold". bbc.com. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  3. ^ Gúzman, Sergio. "Las nuevas joyas del Pumas-América". MedioTiempo (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 30 April 2011. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
  4. ^ Silva, Pablo (13 April 2011). "México Sub-20: Campeón 19 años después". MedioTiempo (in Spanish). Retrieved 13 April 2011.
  5. ^ Pérez, Diana (25 April 2010). "América 1–0 Santos... El Águila lo logró, se metió a la Liguilla" (in Spanish). Medio Tiempo. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
  6. ^ "¡América es Campeón de la Liga MX!" (in Spanish). Club América official website. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 27 May 2013.
  7. ^ "Diego Reyes se convierte en jugador del F.C. Porto" (in Spanish). Club América official website. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  8. ^ "Confirmado, Diego Reyes fue vendido al Porto" [Confirmed, Diego Reyes was sold to Porto]. mediotiempo.com (in Spanish). Medio Tiempo. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  9. ^ "Diego Reyes assina por cinco temporadas" [Diego Reyes signs for five seasons]. Record (in Portuguese). 17 December 2012. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  10. ^ a b "Relatório e Contas Consolidado 2012/2013 (1º Semestre)" (PDF) (in Portuguese). FC Porto. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 March 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  11. ^ "Ya debutaron Herrera y Reyes con el Porto" [Herrera and Reyes already debuted with Porto]. futbolsapiens.com (in Spanish). Futbol Sapiens. 13 July 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  12. ^ "Un defensa con gran proyección para la zaga txuri urdin" (in Spanish). Real Sociedad. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  13. ^ "Sociedad agree Reyes loan deal". Sky Sports. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  14. ^ "Deportivo La Coruña – Real Sociedad Boxscore". Fox Sports. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  15. ^ Hawkey, Ian (18 October 2015). "Pressure mounts on David Moyes in La Liga as Real Sociedad experience meltdown". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  16. ^ "Vela and Reyes score in Real Sociedad win". Goal.com. Retrieved 8 February 2016.[permanent dead link]
  17. ^ "FC Porto: Diego Reyes anuncia saída para o Espanhol" [FC Porto: Diego Reyes announces his departure for Espanyol] (in Portuguese). Mais Futbol. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  18. ^ "Diego Reyes se estrena como goleador periquito" (in Spanish). Marca. 30 October 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  19. ^ "Mexico international Reyes snapped up by Fenerbahce". Goal.com. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  20. ^ "La cesión de Diego Reyes al Leganés, 'en la recta final'". La Vanguardia. 31 January 2019.
  21. ^ Borden, Sam (11 August 2012). "Mexico Wins Olympic Gold in Men's Soccer, Beating Brazi". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  22. ^ "Revealed: Every World Cup 2018 squad - Final 23-man lists". goal.com. Goal. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  23. ^ "Mexico's Diego Reyes ruled out of World Cup with hamstring injury". espn.com. ESPN. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  24. ^ Atkins, Christopher (14 June 2013). "World Cup 2014: Ten potential breakout stars". ESPN FC. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  25. ^ "Why Diego Reyes Is The One To Watch This Summer in Brazil". COMPLEX. 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  26. ^ "10 curiosidades de: Diego Reyes". Futbol Sapiens. 7 August 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  27. ^ "Mexico - D. Reyes - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 20 April 2017.
  28. ^ "Diego Reyes's Senior International Caps". Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  29. ^ "Reyes, Diego". National Football Teams. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
  30. ^ Straus, Brian (7 July 2019). "Mexico Turns Tide, Wins Gold Cup Title Again vs. Wasteful USMNT". Sports Illustrated.
  31. ^ "Mexico wins Olympic qualifying tournament". trireport.com. Tri Report. 3 April 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
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