The goalkeeper emerged as a pivotal figure in Chivas’ revival during the late stages of Clausura 2022, helping the team regain momentum when it mattered most.
Chivas delivered a standout regular season in Closure 2023, finishing third in the overall table and earning direct entry into the Liguilla of Mexican football, a testament to the squad’s depth and strategic improvements.
Guided by Veljko Paunovic, the Sacred Flock became one of the leading contenders for the Mexican league title. This surge rested on the exceptional performances of several players in the first half of the year, with the coach orchestrating key changes to maximize collective output.
One of the most significant adjustments involved Miguel Wacho Jimenez, who claimed the starting goalkeeper role, replacing Raul Gudino, who had started in earlier campaigns. Jimenez seized the opportunity and ensured stability at the back as the team pushed for top honors.
For GOAL, this piece highlights the journey of the Mexican shot-stopper:
WHO IS MIGUEL JIMENEZ?
Credit: Getty
The 32-year-old keeper rose through Chivas’ youth ranks, beginning in the Under 13 setup and progressing through the academy to reach the first team in the Premier League era, where he became part of a championship-winning squad in 2011. Despite showing promise, opportunities with the senior team were scarce at that stage.
In 2014, Wacho Jimenez moved on from the Sacred Herd to Coras Tepic in the Ascenso MX, and 2015 marked his professional debut in both the MX Cup and the second division of Mexican football.
In 2016, after a request from Matias Almeyda, Jimenez returned to Guadalajara, where he found himself behind seasoned custodians Rodolfo Cota and Jose Antonio Rodriguez. His first division debut would finally come on November 18, 2017, in a match against León.
After spending three years with the club, he left again to join Tampico Madero in the lower leagues, but in 2020 he returned to the Tapatío system to resume his role as a developing third-choice keeper.
When Tony Rodriguez departed at the end of 2021 and Raul Gudino’s form dipped in Closure 2022, Miguel Jimenez seized the opportunity with Chivas. His performances earned him a starting spot, appearing in eight league games and playing a crucial role in a five-game winning streak that helped secure the Liga MX title for the club.
Which team will win the Clausura 2023 Liga MX?
- Monterrey
- America
- Chivas
- Toluca
- Tigers
- Other
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Which team will win the Clausura 2023 Liga MX?
- 17%Monterrey
- 35%America
- 23%Chivas
- 5%Toluca
- 9%Tigers
- 11%Other
5889to vote