From 'Skunk' to Golden Ball: The relentless rise of Héctor Herrera
In short: He was once nicknamed 'Zorrillo' as a youth player. Today, Héctor Herrera is a decorated international midfielder with a trophy cabinet spanning Mexico, Portugal, and Spain, known for a box-to-box style that can dismantle an attack or ignite a counter-offensive.
Héctor Herrera’s career is defined by high-stakes impact and remarkable versatility. Rising through the ranks of C.F. Pachuca, where he earned the nicknames 'Zorrillo' and 'Zorrillo' (skunk) and 'Zorro' (fox), he transitioned from a promising rookie to a global mainstay. His tenure at Porto (2013–2019) was particularly prolific; he made over 200 appearances, secured a Primeira Liga title, and became the first Mexican player to win the Dragão de Ouro Award as the club's best player. His professional journey began in July 2010 against Chivas USA. By the 2011 Apertura season, he had even been shortlisted for the tournament's best rookie award.
On the international stage, Herrera has been a cornerstone of the Mexican national team, earning over 100 caps. His achievements include winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics and being named the tournament's Best Player at the 2012 Toulon Tournament. He has also been a standout performer in major competitions, such as leading the assist tally at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and winning the Golden Ball at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He also achieved significant success in the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Furthermore, he has represented Mexico in three separate FIFA World Cup tournaments: 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Despite facing significant hurdles—including a record-breaking UEFA Champions League dismissal in just six minutes against Zenit Saint Petersburg, and various injury setbacks during his time at Atlético Madrid—his influence remains undeniable. Whether captaining Porto to a Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira or serving as a Designated Player for Houston Dynamo, Herrera’s game is built on the tireless running and sharp distribution inspired by his idol, Juan Román Riquelme. His time in Spain saw him capture a La Liga championship. He also famously scored a 90th-minute equalizer against Juventus during his debut season with Atlético Madrid.
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