Liga MX Legend Shocks Football World by Rejecting European Powerhouses to Represent Mexico
Three-time Liga MX winner Álvaro Fidalgo is settling into his first complete week as a Real Betis squad member, but on the same day he made his inaugural appearance wearing the green and white jersey, FIFA also confirmed his one-time nationality change to play for Mexico on the international stage.
Fidalgo's nationality transfer is now displayed on FIFA's official website, verifying that despite the Spanish-born midfielder returning to compete in his native country, he has officially changed his international commitment to the Mexican national squad.
Sources indicate Fidalgo made certain all paperwork was completed for his nationality transfer request prior to finalizing his move to Betis on the final day of the transfer window.
The former Real Madrid youth player may have returned to live and compete in his homeland, but now that his one-time nationality change is confirmed, he can exclusively represent El Tri internationally for his remaining career.
Alvaro Fidalgo Feels 'Excited' About Playing for Mexico
Alvaro Fidalgo Feels 'Excited' About Playing for Mexico
Fidalgo at last achieved his ambition of competing in La Liga, making his first start and receiving commendation in Betis's 1–0 victory over Atlético Madrid during the weekend. Fidalgo spoke with reporters after the match and following discussion about his league premiere, he was questioned about his thoughts on gaining eligibility for Mexico's national team.
"Yes, I'm extremely thrilled about that [representing Mexico]," Fidalgo stated. "Ultimately, these five years in Mexico transformed my entire existence. Now I'm also Mexican, I possess dual citizenship, Spanish-Mexican.
"I feel tremendous pride, I embody both nations so now, I'll strive to elevate it [Mexico] to the highest level always. Now as a Mexican, you'll witness all Mexicans supporting Betis and La Liga as well, I'm bringing them along with me, so I'm extremely pleased."
Fidalgo has immediately gained the confidence of Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini, accumulating 132 minutes over two matches within seven days of joining the team. If he can sustain the performance level he demonstrated in Liga MX and continues to play regularly for Betis, then it's simply a question of when El Tri coach Javier Aguirre provides Fidalgo with his international premiere.
When Álvaro Fidalgo Could Make His International Debut for Mexico
When Álvaro Fidalgo Could Make His International Debut for Mexico
Mexico will welcome Iceland on Feb. 25 at Estadio Corregidora in an international exhibition match to continue preparations for the 2026 World Cup. However, since the fixture won't occur during an official FIFA international break, Fidalgo cannot be considered by Aguirre, who will instead assemble a squad consisting entirely of Liga MX players.
Nevertheless, there's an excellent possibility Fidalgo receives a call-up and makes his El Tri premiere during March's international fixtures. Mexico will welcome Portugal in a match that will mark the reopening of Estadio Azteca on March 28 and then will face Belgium on March 31.
As destiny would have it, Fidalgo, who captured the 2024 Liga MX Clausura championship with América in the final match played at the Azteca to this point, could return to his previous venue to make his international premiere when the legendary stadium reopens.
It's essential for Fidalgo to not only make his El Tri premiere in March, but also to excel and impress Aguirre, considering it will be Mexico's final two exhibition matches before the 2026 World Cup squad is announced.
Fidalgo's club performance over the previous five years demonstrates his quality and if he brings that standard to El Tri in March, then it's difficult to imagine "El Maguito" not being selected for Aguirre's squad for Mexico's home World Cup.