The work being done at the Cantera Rojiblanca continues to pay off. In recent weeks, several young players have had the opportunity to log their first minutes with Chivas, as Gabriel Milito has given them the chance to showcase their abilities in high-pressure environments, including the Clásico de México in Oakland and the Clásico Tapatío on Matchday 11.
Carlos Hernández, Leonel Calderón, Rodrigo Parra, Jesús Hernández, Emiliano Rodríguez, and Aarón Correa are the young players who have featured in Guadalajara’s most recent matches this semester, all looking to earn a place in the first-team setup. Coming from different age groups and following different paths in their development, they share the same goal: proving they have what it takes to compete and contribute to Guadalajara.
Two of them have already taken an important step forward. Carlos Hernández and Leonel Calderón featured in the Clásico de México and subsequently received the opportunity to make their Liga MX debuts in the 1-1 draw against Atlas on Matchday 11 of the Apertura 2026 tournament. Making their debuts in a Clásico Tapatío was a test of character for both youngsters, and they rose to the occasion with confidence and composure.
Calderón started as a left wing-back, while Hernández came on at the beginning of the second half to fill the left side of the center-back pairing. Both made a positive impression defensively and on the ball, demonstrating their ability and composure in a high-pressure match.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Parra, a defender for Tapatío; Jesús Hernández, a forward who has already received several call-ups to the first team; Emiliano Rodríguez, a player from the U-21 squad; and Aarón Correa, a forward who has featured for both the U-19 and U-21 teams, continue working to make the most of every opportunity and move closer to the top level.
The talent emerging from the academy extends beyond those already working closely with Milito. At just 15 years old, Diego Ponce became one of the youngest players to make his debut in Liga de Expansión history when he featured for Tapatío—a milestone that highlights the potential of the new generations developing within the club.
The Rojiblanco Lowdown…
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Since the Apertura 2023 tournament, Chivas has handed first-team debuts to 20 players from the Cantera Rojiblanca: 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, Ángel Chávez, Carlos Hernández, and Leonel Calderón.
