You’ve probably heard the name Miguel Gómez floating around Liga MX circles lately. But if you’re looking for the full story on Miguel Alejandro Gómez Ortiz, you’ve gotta look past the basic box scores. He isn't just another body in the Guadalajara rotation. He's a local kid who actually grew up in the Chivas academy, grinding through the ranks for nearly a decade before anyone outside the club really knew his name.
Most people see a 23-year-old right-back and think he's a finished product. Honestly, with Miguel, it feels like the engine is just starting to turn over.
Born on September 29, 2002, in the heart of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Miguel Alejandro Gómez Ortiz represents that "Made in Chivas" identity the fans obsess over. It’s a lot of pressure. Imagine being a teenager in the Cantera, knowing the weight of the city is on your shoulders. He didn't just walk into the first team, though. He had to prove he could hack it in the rough-and-tumble world of the Liga de Expansión first.
The Long Road from Tapatío to the Big Stage
The jump from youth football to the pros is basically a canyon. Many players fall in. Miguel Alejandro Gómez Ortiz didn’t. He spent years with Tapatío, the Chivas reserve team, which is effectively a finishing school for the most promising talent in the organization.
He made his pro debut back in October 2020 against Cancún. It was a 0–0 draw. Not exactly the stuff of legends, right? But he stuck with it. Between 2020 and late 2024, he racked up over 90 appearances for Tapatío. That’s where he learned how to defend. He wasn't just a fast kid anymore; he was becoming a tactician.
📖 Related: Formula One Points Table Explained: Why the Math Matters More Than the Racing
During that time, he picked up some serious silverware:
- Liga de Expansión MX: Clausura 2023
- Apertura 2024 Champion
- Campeón de Campeones 2022–23
Winning the Apertura 2024 was arguably the turning point. It signaled to the first-team coaching staff that he was too good for the second division. He was basically a man among boys at that point.
Making the Leap: The Óscar García Era
Everything changed for Miguel Alejandro Gómez Ortiz on January 11, 2025. Chivas was facing Santos Laguna. The pressure was high. Head coach Óscar García decided it was time to let the kid loose.
Miguel started. Chivas won 1–0.
👉 See also: El Paso Locomotive FC Standings: Why the 2025 Surge Changes Everything for 2026
It wasn't a flashy performance with three assists and a bicycle kick, but it was solid. Professional. He showed he could handle the speed of the top flight without breaking a sweat. Since then, he's transitioned from a "prospect" to a reliable fixture in the Guadalajara squad. He’s been wearing the number 24 or 12 depending on the registration, but his presence on the right flank is becoming unmistakable.
He’s roughly 1.74 meters tall—about 5'9"—which isn't massive for a defender. But he makes up for it with positioning. You’ll see him tucking inside quite a bit, acting almost like an inverted wing-back. It’s a modern style. He isn't just running up and down the line like a track star; he’s actually helping the midfield keep the ball.
International Success and What’s Next
People often forget that Miguel has already tasted success on the international stage. In 2023, he was part of the Mexico U23 squad that took home the Gold Medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador. That experience is huge. Playing in high-stakes knockout games for your country changes your DNA as a player.
So, what should you keep an eye on?
✨ Don't miss: Duke Football Recruiting 2025: Manny Diaz Just Flipped the Script in Durham
The 2025-2026 season is really his first "full" campaign as a dedicated first-team player. His stats from late 2025 show a player who is getting more comfortable taking risks. He’s attempting more progressive passes and isn't afraid to put in a tackle.
If you’re a Chivas fan or just a fan of Mexican football, you need to watch how he handles the Liguilla (playoffs). That’s where legends are made in Mexico. Miguel Alejandro Gómez Ortiz has the pedigree and the training. Now, it’s just about whether he can maintain that consistency over a grueling 17-game season.
Next Steps for Following Miguel's Career:
- Watch the Heat Maps: Notice how often he moves into the central channel during build-up play; he's becoming a key part of how Chivas moves the ball out of the back.
- Monitor the National Team: With the senior Mexican National Team often looking for depth at right-back, a strong 2026 could see him get a surprise call-up for friendlies.
- Check the Lineups: Look for his name specifically in "Clásicos" against América or Atlas—these are the games where his "homegrown" status matters most.