Chivas’ perfect start—six straight wins—becomes even more impressive when considering the direct impact its young players have had in every Clausura 2026 matchday. The consistency between words and actions is clear: Guadalajara has already met Liga MX’s youth-minutes rule by registering 1,305 of the 1,170 minutes required by the regulations, with 11 matches still to be played.
A total of seven players have contributed to that tally: Bryan González, Armando González, Yael Padilla, Ángel Chávez, Hugo Camberos, Santiago Sandoval, and Brian Gutiérrez, all of whom have also directly influenced the team’s strong collective performances.
The next generation of Rojiblanco stars
Bryan González (2003)
540 minutes played as a left wingback. His energy and consistency earned him another call-up to the Mexican National Team, reflecting the high level he has shown within the structure implemented by Gabriel Milito. In addition to defending, he frequently finishes attacking plays for Chivas.
Armando González (2003)
416 minutes played and five goals this tournament. A key piece in the Rojiblanco attack, he is the current Liga MX Golden Boot winner and remains in contention for a spot on the road to the World Cup. In fact, “La Hormiga” has scored at least one goal in seven consecutive regular-season home matches, totaling nine goals during that stretch.
Brian Gutiérrez (2003)
400 minutes since arriving from the Chicago Fire FC. He has taken on an immediate leading role, and his impact has been so notable that he was included in the most recent Mexican National Team call-up. He has played both as a double pivot and as an interior midfielder since joining the Rebaño.
Santiago Sandoval (2007)
39 minutes so far this tournament for the left-footed attacker, who debuted last season and has been key in raising internal competition within the squad.
Yael Padilla (2005)
38 minutes and a decisive late goal against Juárez, securing three valuable points and preserving the current winning streak—proof of his ability to step up in key moments.
Ángel Chávez (2005)
Made his Guadalajara debut in El Clásico de México against América, adding important minutes that marked the beginning of his journey with the Rebaño in the top flight.
Hugo Camberos (2007)
Five minutes in Clausura 2026, integrating into the competitive dynamic of the squad. He has been a regular in Mexico’s youth national team call-ups.
Tapatío’s leadership: another clear sign of Chivas’ trust in youth
After a 3-1 victory over Jaiba Brava on Matchday 6 of the Liga de Expansión MX, Tapatío secured its third consecutive win of CL26 and reached 13 points, placing it at the top of the silver division standings.
José Meléndez’s side boasts a perfect home record, with three wins from three matches. In addition, the top representative of the Cantera Rojiblanca has scored at least three goals for the third time this semester, previously doing so against Venados and Atlante.
Rojiblanco Note…
In recent years, Chivas has handed first-team debuts to 18 Cantera Rojiblanca players: Raúl Rangel, Raúl Martínez, Yael Padilla, Jesús Brígido, Mateo Chávez, Armando González, Gael García, Leonardo Sepúlveda, Teun Wilke, Miguel Gómez, Hugo Camberos, Diego Ochoa, Eduardo García, Daniel Flores, Diego Delgadillo, Santiago Sandoval, Samir Inda, and Ángel Chávez.
