Jesus Sanchez' love for the game and the Rojiblanco colors have allowed him to overcome all kinds of tests along his path, and today he is celebrating 10 years as a Chivas player logging a record of 212 games in Mexico's top-flight division. Undoubtedly both the fans' love for 'Chapo' and his full commitment to el Rebaño Sagrado have been the drive behind his successful soccer career.
10 facts about Jesus Sanchez during his 10-year career in professional soccer:
- He arrived at Chivas from Sonora, where he had played with his hometown Third Division team: Heroes de Caborca.
- His first team in the #CanteraRojiblanca was Chivas San Rafael during the Clausura 2008 tournament, during which he played his first match with el Tapatio where he disputed 2 minutes vs. Tampico Madero on Matchday 16.
- Jose Luis Real promoted him to the First Team in the Apertura 2010 and he made his debut on Matchday 3 when he played as a starter in the 1-0 win over San Luis at Estadio Alfonso Lastras.
- During his first 2 tournaments in the top division (Apertura 2010 and Clausura 2011), he was a regular substitute with 9 and 11 games, respectively.
- He scored for the first time with el Rebaño Sagrado against Queretaro at Estadio Corregidora, on Matchday 11 of the 2010 Apertura tournament.
- ‘Güero’ Real was the one who changed his position from winger to right-back on the opening day of the 2014 Clausura.
- During his first seven tournaments in Mexico's top division, he took part in 83 percent of all games; however, in the Clausura 2014, he underwent two knee surgeries (both left and right) which limited his game time to just 3 matches.
- 2015 was the roughest year of his career when he was the fans' target of criticism, but eventually, fate and hard work allowed him to show his skills and character during a Tapatio Derby that was rescheduled by Hurricane Patricia. Before the clash, Raul Lopez had been called up to el 'Tri' allowing Matias Almeyda to line him up for the first time. His outstanding performance convinced the boss to keep him as a regular on the squad.
- After 10 games of the 2016 Clausura tournament, ‘Chapo’ took part in the starting line-up vs. Rayados, and ever since then he has been the undisputed right back of el Rebaño Sagrado.
- As a regular in the Rojiblanca lineup, Jesus Sanchez won the 2015-16 Super Cup MX, the Clausura 2017 doublet (League and Cup) and the 2018 Concacaf Champions League.
