Football is a global language, and sometimes, a single gesture on the pitch says more than a thousand interviews. During the Apertura 2025 season opener in Liga MX, Alejandro Zendejas, the Mexican-American winger for Club América, celebrated a stunning goal with a gesture that quickly drew attention not just in Mexico, but across the Atlantic.
As Zendejas raced to the corner flag after scoring a brilliant curler against Tigres UANL, he mimicked a now-iconic celebration—fingers to his temples, eyes focused, body calm. It was instantly recognizable to fans of the Premier League: the signature move of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward, Diogo Jota.
What followed was an outpouring of fan reactions, media curiosity, and eventually, confirmation from Zendejas himself. Yes—it was a tribute to Jota. But it was also a deeper nod to the unspoken connections between footballers, fandoms, and identities that transcend leagues and borders.
This is the story of how a celebration born in Anfield resonated in the heart of Mexico City, and why Alejandro Zendejas’ gesture was more than just admiration—it was a message of mutual respect, inspiration, and the ever-tightening bond between Liga MX, the USMNT, and European football.
The Goal Heard Around Liga MX
The match itself was a heavyweight clash between Club América and Tigres, two of Mexico’s most dominant sides. Expectations were high, as both teams aimed to start the Apertura 2025 with authority. The Azteca crowd buzzed, and early chances fell to both teams. But the breakthrough came in the 33rd minute.
Zendejas picked up the ball near the edge of the box after a fluid passing move involving Diego Valdés and Henry Martín. With a quick touch to his left, he opened space and unleashed a beautiful curling effort into the top corner—unstoppable, even for Tigres’ veteran goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán.
The goal itself was world-class. But what truly stole the spotlight was what came next: Zendejas jogging to the corner, planting his feet, and placing two fingers on his temples. The cameras zoomed in. Social media exploded.
Within minutes, “Zendejas Jota Celebration” trended across football Twitter. Screenshots compared the celebration side by side with Jota’s iconic poses. Speculation ran wild: Was Zendejas a Liverpool fan? Was there a deeper meaning?
Tribute Confirmed
In his post-match interview, Zendejas addressed the moment with a smile. “Yeah, that was for Diogo Jota,” he said. “He’s a player I admire a lot—his movement, his intensity, his intelligence on and off the ball. I’ve been watching a lot of Liverpool matches lately, and that celebration just stuck with me.”
He added, “I thought it would be cool to honor a player I respect—someone who’s had his own journey, battled injuries, and still keeps showing up for his team.”
The confirmation sent Liverpool fans into a frenzy. On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), posts from Mexican fans jokingly welcomed Anfield supporters to Liga MX. Jota himself later reacted with a like and a laughing emoji on Instagram, while Liverpool’s official Spanish-language account reposted the celebration with the caption:
“Desde el Azteca, con cariño. 🔴” (From the Azteca, with love.)
Why Jota A Study in Similarity
While at first glance, the tribute may seem surprising—Zendejas plays in North America, while Jota stars in England—there’s actually a lot the two share.
- Versatility: Both players are comfortable on either wing or behind the striker. They are tactical chameleons—valuable to any coach for their ability to adapt mid-match.
- Low center of gravity: Though not physically imposing, both use agility, control, and positioning to devastating effect.
- Off-the-ball movement: Jota and Zendejas are masters of finding pockets of space. Their football IQ is what elevates them beyond just being technical wingers.
- Resilience: Injuries have interrupted both their careers, but each time, they return sharper and more determined.
“I think fans sometimes overlook how much we learn from watching others,” Zendejas said later. “Even though I’m in Liga MX and he’s in the Premier League, I study players like Jota all the time.”
Zendejas The American-Mexican Bridge
Born in El Paso, Texas, to Mexican parents, Zendejas is a player who embodies duality. He began his youth career with FC Dallas, then moved to Chivas Guadalajara, eventually landing at Club América where he has blossomed into one of Liga MX’s premier wingers.
In early 2023, Zendejas committed his international future to the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), a decision that sparked fierce debate among fans in both countries. Since then, he’s earned multiple caps and played in Nations League and Gold Cup matches, often showing flashes of brilliance on the right flank.
Despite being based in North America, Zendejas remains deeply plugged into the European game. His Instagram feed often features clips from La Liga, Bundesliga, and yes—Liverpool matches.
“Football is global now,” he says. “We’re all watching each other, learning, evolving. Whether you’re in Mexico City, Liverpool, or Lisbon, we’re part of the same conversation.”
The Culture of Celebration
In recent years, football goal celebrations have taken on new life. No longer just expressions of joy, they are forms of communication—statements, tributes, even social commentary. Think of:
- Marcus Rashford’s “shushing” and “thinking” pose—linked to mental health advocacy.
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s “Siuuu!”—a global phenomenon.
- Jude Bellingham’s calm-down gesture—now adopted by young fans worldwide.
Zendejas’ Jota-inspired celebration fits into this lineage. It’s an example of how today’s footballers use even a few seconds of airtime to send messages—to fans, peers, idols, or causes.
“Sometimes, it’s not about a dance or hype,” Zendejas said. “It’s just a nod. A way to say, ‘I see you. I respect you.’”
The Liverpool-Mexico Connection
Liverpool has long enjoyed a global fanbase, but their presence in Mexico and across Latin America has grown exponentially in the last decade. With Spanish-language content, preseason tours, and accessible broadcasts, the club has built a community in places like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
Zendejas’ celebration gave this connection a major boost. Within hours, Liverpool’s official fan page in Mexico created custom graphics of Zendejas and Jota side-by-side. The Mexican media ran stories with headlines like:
“Zendejas, el Red de corazón” (Zendejas, a Red at heart).
And though he hasn’t confirmed any club allegiance, fans now wonder: could Zendejas dream of a Premier League move someday?
“I think every player wants to test themselves at the highest level,” he said when asked about a possible European transfer. “But right now, my focus is on América. We’ve got a title to win.”
Still, whispers of interest from Europe have circulated. Scouts from Spain and England have been spotted at recent Club América matches, and Zendejas’ consistent performances suggest his future may yet cross the Atlantic.
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