Power Ranking: Top 10 greatest players to play soccer in the US
By Kris Whelan
No.10- Hugo Sanchez
Hugo’s impact on American soccer might not be the most devastating, but this isn’t a list of players who have done well in US Soccer. This is a list chronicling the most talented players to have ever put on a jersey on American soil, and Mr. Sanchez definitely fits in to that category. His goal scoring record was outstanding, hitting the net over 400 times in his illustrious career.
Sanchez was born in Mexico city in 1958, and made his professional debut for Mexican side UNAM in 1976. He went on to play for the club 186 times,scoring an incredible 99 goals. He decided to go on loan to the North American Soccer League before getting his 100th club goal, lending his trade to the ‘San Diego Sockers’. His goal scoring record while in the States was impressive, netting 13 goals in only 19 appearances. Following his brief stint in the US he went on to Atletico Madrid in Spain, a country where he would have the best years of his career.
While playing with Atletico he won the Copa Del Rey, though it wasn’t until he made the controversial transfer to bitter rivals Real Madrid that his star really begun to shine. He won the La Liga title five years in a row, finishing as the league’s top goal scorer in each of those years. His overall goal scoring record for Real Madrid was a mind blowing 208 in 282 games. In addition to winning the Spanish Golden boot on five occasions, he also finished as Europe’s top goalscorer in the 1989-1990 season.
"“Whoever invented soccer should be worshiped as a God”- Hugo Sanchez."
He may not have invented the game but the faithful fans of his ten clubs and his Mexican countrymen worshiped him as though he did. His fast pace and acrobatic finishing will live on in the memory of everyone who was lucky enough to see him play. He eventually returned stateside playing for Dallas Burn in the start up Major League Soccer.
Though he only played briefly in the US, soccer in this country is all the better for it.
Next: No.9- David Beckham