If you tried to predict three years ago who would be the breakout star for Mexico at the 2018 World Cup, you wouldn’t have hesitated.
Jesus Corona had just finished a somewhat grueling summer in 2015. With Dutch side FC Twente eager to sell him and other players because of financial shortcomings, Corona was the only player who featured for Mexico in both the Copa America and Gold Cup. Despite the potential for fatigue, he was the breakout star of the second tournament, capping his summer with a goal in the final against Jamaica on his way to being named Best Young Player of the competition.