Orbelín Pineda: from the 2026 World Cup to living the experience of the Clásico Regio
Orbelín Pineda closed his participation with El Tri in the World Cup and now returns to Liga MX. Pineda was convinced by the project
Orbelín Pineda played a couple of games with the Mexican team in the 2026 World Cup. Pineda saw minutes against South Korea and Ecuador. After his participation in the World Cup, the Mexican now returns to Liga MX with the Rayados de Monterrey. Pineda is motivated to experience a Royal Classic.
"We know that it is not easy at all. All the classics are wanted to be won and they are very intense matches. I am sure that I will enjoy the Clásico Regio when it is my turn to play it and we will try to do it in the best way because winning those matches helps strengthen the team," said Orbelín.
Orbelín Pineda returns to Mexico after a great effort by the Rayados de Monterrey leaders to hire him. The Mexican team would have paid up to $9 million dollars to AEK Athens to obtain the services of the Mexican midfielder. Pineda closed a contract until 2029.
"People have every right to express their opinion. I lived a very important experience in Europe. I went with great enthusiasm and learned a lot. Today I return to Mexico to be part of a project that convinced me. Rayados made a great effort to hire me and now I have to respond on the field, enjoying this new stage and helping the team meet its goals," he explained.
In this way, the midfielder born in Coyuca de Catalán closes a cycle with AEK Athens. The Mexican arrived in Greek football in 2022. Since then the Mexican played 174 games. During that number of games, Pineda contributed 20 goals and 17 assists.
Trust Rafa Márquez
Orbelín Pineda is one of the players who could continue in the orbit of the Mexican team in the next process. Now Rafa Márquez will be the coach and Pineda trusts in his abilities. Pineda will try to continue at a good level to be taken into account by the “Kaiser”.
"I have known Rafa since his time as a player and also as an assistant. He is a great person and I am very grateful for everything we share. I think that, as long as one is at a good level, he will always have a chance of being called up. I come to work and give my best. If the opportunity to represent Mexico comes again, I will do so with great pride. I wish Rafa a lot of success. We know his ability and I am sure that he will help the national team a lot," he concluded.