América Faces Roster Transition as Key Players Depart
Mexico City – Club América is undergoing a significant roster transition, with a substantial number of players from its recent three-time championship-winning squad no longer with the team due to injury or departures. Only three players who started in the second leg of the Apertura 2024 final against Monterrey remain with the club as of March 14, 2026.
Core Players Departures
Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, and Alejandro Zendejas are the sole remaining starters from that pivotal match. The remaining members of the starting lineup have left the club through transfers or are currently sidelined due to injuries.
Recent Injuries and Transfers
The most recent setback for América is the injury to goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón, who suffered an Achilles tendon rupture during a Concacaf match and will be out of action for several months.1
Other key departures include Álvaro Fidalgo and Richard Sánchez, who have returned to their respective countries to play for Real Betis and Olimpia. Cristian Calderón has rejoined Necaxa. Henry Martín and Alan Cervantes are currently sidelined due to injuries, with the captain having limited playing time throughout the year.
Shifting Roles and New Faces
While Kevin Álvarez and Ramón Juárez were starters in the Apertura 2024 final, their roles have become less secure. Álvarez faces competition from Aaron Mejía, who has been gaining playing time.1
Impact on the Team
In total, eight players who were integral to América’s three-peat championship are no longer with the team, signaling a period of transition and restructuring for the club.1
Israel Reyes’ Perspective
Defender Israel Reyes reflected on the significance of the Apertura 2024 title, stating it held greater value due to the challenges the team faced throughout the tournament, including injuries to key players.1 He similarly emphasized the team’s achievement of winning six titles in two years, leaving a lasting mark on Mexican football.
Reyes also played 20 games in the Apertura 2024 Liga MX season, showcasing his versatility by playing in different positions due to the team’s injury situation.1
Israel Reyes Romero (born May 23, 2000) currently plays as a centre-back for América and the Mexico national team.1 He has earned 28 caps for Mexico, winning the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2025 United States–Canada Team and CONCACAF Nations League.1
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