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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"2hsidwomhjsaaytdy9u5niyi4"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Herrera has 472 professional matches, 46 goals, and 65 assists</li><li>He captained Porto, where he played 245 games</li><li>'HH' also won a La Liga title with Atlético Madrid in the 2020-21 season</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'I should be in the top five' – Toluca’s Héctor Herrera says he belongs among the all-time greats in Mexico football history

Liga MX

Toluca

Tigres

<p>Toluca midfielder Héctor Herrera stirred up conversation this week after boldly claiming a spot among the five greatest Mexican footballers of all time. In an interview with <em>Sports Illustrated</em>, the 35-year-old veteran placed himself alongside national icons such as Rafael Márquez and Hugo Sánchez.</p><p>“I don’t know exactly where, brother, but I think I belong in the Top 10—at the very least. For me, I should be in the top five,” said Herrera, mixing confidence with a hint of humor.</p><p>Herrera went on to name his personal top five Mexican players in history, listing Rafael Márquez, Hugo Sánchez, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Andrés Guardado, and himself.</p><p>“Rafa, Hugo, Chícharo, Andrés, and me... I mean, I told you my Top 5, didn’t I?” he said with a laugh.</p><p></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="362" src="https://youtube.com/embed/xHI3X52QIJM" title="YouTube video player" width="644"></iframe><p>His statement has since gone viral, sparking fierce debate on social media and across sports media platforms. Some fans applauded the midfielder for his achievements and long-standing presence in European and international football. Others were less convinced, questioning whether Herrera deserves a spot over other historic figures like Cuauhtémoc Blanco or Jorge Campos.</p><p>“This guy has a completely distorted view of reality,” one critic commented online. Another wrote, “He’s not even top 20.” </p><p>Still, others came to his defense, citing a strong résumé that includes Champions League appearances and years in top European leagues. “He has a solid case,” one supporter argued.</p><p>Regardless of where he ranks, Herrera’s legacy in Mexican football is firmly established. A mainstay on the national team for more than a decade, the former Porto and Atlético Madrid player remains a key figure at Toluca, who are currently competing in the Clausura 2025 semifinals.</p><p></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Herrera can boast of a successful European football career, with 472 professional matches, 46 goals, and 65 assists. He captained Porto, where he played 245 games, winning a league title and two Super Cups in Portugal. He also won a La Liga title with Atlético Madrid in the 2020-21 season, an Olympic gold medal in London 2012, and the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Furthermore, Herrera has represented Mexico in three World Cups (2014, 2018, and 2022).</p><p>Despite these impressive achievements, Herrera has faced criticism throughout his career. His decision to leave European football for Major League Soccer (MLS) was heavily scrutinized by Mexican fans, especially since he was still in good form. Many believed that, even if he wasn’t at the level required for Atlético Madrid, he still had the ability to continue in Europe.</p><p>His time at the Houston Dynamo did not go as expected, and his contract was eventually<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/hector-herrera-spit-at-referee-houston-dynamo-mexico-future-el-tri/blt09e3c69c6872752a" target="_self"> terminated after an incident involving an altercation with a referee.</a> Since moving to the MLS, Herrera has not been called up to the Mexican national team, and his current spell at Toluca has seen him struggle to secure a regular starting spot under head coach Antonio Mohamed.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking ahead of the semifinal clash against Tigres, Herrera acknowledged the challenge ahead, pointing out the quality of all four remaining teams—Toluca, Tigres, Club América, and Cruz Azul.</p><p>“These are the best four teams in the tournament, so of course it won’t be easy,” he said during a press conference. “We know the kind of squad Tigres have—they're a great team with a lot of experience—but we’re focused on ourselves and on reaching our best version.”</p><p>Herrera highlighted the strong team chemistry at Toluca, just a day before their first-leg semifinal against Tigres at El Volcán. The Diablos Rojos recently knocked out Monterrey and are now aiming to do the same against another powerhouse from the same city.</p><p>“There’s a real sense of unity and joy in this group,” he said. “And playing at home with the support of our fans plays a huge role for us. That was evident last Saturday. We need to keep going with that same connection—with each other and with our fans—because that’s how we can reach our goal.”</p><p>“The support we’ve felt all year has been amazing, but now the fans are even more motivated and involved. That means a lot to us. They’re a huge part of this club, and their energy pushes us forward,” Herrera concluded.</p>

WHAT HÉCTOR HERRERA SAID

<p>Toluca will visit Tigres this Wednesday for the first leg of the Liga MX semifinal showdown. The return leg is set for next Saturday at the Estadio Nemesio Diez, home of Mohamed’s squad.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR TOLUCA?

'I should be in the top five' – Toluca’s Héctor Herrera says he belongs among the all-time greats in Mexico football history | Goal.com

Toluca will visit Tigres this Wednesday for the first leg of the Liga MX semifinal showdown.

&apos;I should be in the top five&apos; – Toluca’s Héctor Herrera says he belongs among the all-time greats in Mexico football history

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