This season marks a notable milestone in the centennial journey of Elche CF, as the club achieved something rarely seen in its history: four regular first-team players earned spots with their national teams. Johan Mojica and Helibelton Palacios of Colombia, Enzo Roco of Chile, and Lucas Boyé representing Argentina all wore their national jerseys, signaling pride for the players and a broader international footprint for the club itself.
Elche CF has hosted a diverse roster of international players over the decades, including natives from Spain and a World Cup champion who lifted a global trophy with Argentina’s squad led by a certain soccer icon. Yet never before had the club managed to pull four regular first-team members into national duties within a single season. This achievement underscores how Elche’s talent pool can transcend club boundaries and contribute to the international stage, elevating the club’s prestige among supporters and peers alike.
In Colombia, the story centers on Johan Mojica, who returned to his national team setup after a lengthy absence and has since been a consistent presence in World Cup qualifying campaigns. Right-back Helibelton Palacios also earned a call-up, returning to la Selección for a friendly match that showcased his strong form at Elche. The national team appearance came after a period of solid performances in domestic and international fixtures, underscoring how club form can translate into national call-ups and renewed trust from the coaching staff.
On the other side of the continent, Enzo Roco has long been a fixture for Chile, regularly lining up for his country in World Cup qualifiers and continental competitions. His sustained contribution to the national team illustrates the club’s capacity to develop players who maintain a high level of performance across demanding international schedules, reinforcing Elche’s reputation as a place where players can grow and remain competitive on the global stage.
Lucas Boyé, the club’s prominent forward, earned a historic opportunity with Argentina as he stepped onto the field for his first senior international appearance. Argentina, the reigning continental champions at times, has always represented one of football’s most formidable squads, and Boyé’s inclusion speaks to Elche’s ability to cultivate attacking talent capable of competing among the world’s best. Despite the formidable competition for minutes with the Albiceleste, Boyé’s involvement highlighted the club’s contribution to a nation with deep football heritage, as well as his own personal career peak during the season.
None of these players, however, would mark a World Cup debut for their countries in the ensuing tournament. The road to Qatar remained uncertain for several Elche internationals, as qualification narratives in the Americas did not unfold in a uniform pattern. Colombia and Chile faced the tough task of sustaining hopes through the regional qualifiers, while Argentina secured a place at the event. In Boyé’s case, breaking into a squad with such competition would require continued standout performances and tactical fit within the national team plans. The season nonetheless reinforced Elche’s role as a stage for players who can reach global audiences, even if the ultimate World Cup roster remained uncertain for most of them at that time.