MLS Sporting Kansas City striker Alan Pulido signals his readiness to be considered again for the Mexican national team, sharing that his focus is on returning to the fold under the right conditions after a long layoff caused by a knee injury. The veteran forward, who has long been celebrated for his goal-scoring prowess, recently stepped back onto the field and is eyeing a comeback that would mesh with the formation and rhythm Diego Cocca outlines for El Tri.
Pulido, who captured the title as Mexico’s top scorer in the domestic league not long ago, remains with Sporting Kansas City and has used his downtime to rebuild not only form but confidence. His return to competitive action began when he took the field against Colorado Rapids on April 8, marking a new chapter after a challenging period that kept him away from the game for nearly twelve months. The forward has described the mindset shift required to reclaim his best level and to contribute once again to the national team when Brazil- or North American-based schedules align with the national team calendar.
Reflecting on his journey, Pulido emphasizes that the work ethic remains intact. He notes that a sustained period of training, resilience, and tactical adaptation is essential if he is to be counted among the squad that travels to major competitions. The return to full flight is not merely about personal fitness; it is about reintegrating into a unit that has evolved under different coaches and prepared players in his absence. His target is clear: perform consistently at a high level with Sporting Kansas City and demonstrate that he can contribute decisively when called upon for Mexico.
The Ciudad Victoria native previously faced a major setback when knee surgery in January 2022 ruled him out of contention for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, cutting short a steady contribution to the national team and altering the trajectory of his international arc. Despite that disappointment, he remained steadfast, investing effort into rehabilitation and club duties, always with an eye toward renewed opportunities with the Mexican squad. His supporters argue that his experience, finishing ability, and relentless drive could still be invaluable assets on the international stage if he maintains peak form and stays healthy.
With 15 goals in 36 appearances for his club side under coach Peter Vermes, Pulido has demonstrated a knack for finding the back of the net and adding a dynamic dimension to the attack. Those who have followed his career point to a player who can influence matches with intelligent movement, poise in front of goal, and a willingness to adapt to different tactical roles. His ongoing pursuit of excellence inside MLS adds weight to the argument that he remains a legitimate option for Mexico, especially in situations requiring a forward who can stretch defenses and produce moments of quality when it matters most.
As conversations about the national team roster continue, Pulido’s focus is on consistency, recovery, and readiness. He is eager to convey that his best form is not a memory from the past but a current, tangible possibility. The forward believes that, provided the conditions align—fitness, club form, and the strategic needs of the national team—he can contribute once again at the international level, adding depth to a squad that values experience and goal-scoring capability. The road back to the national team, according to Pulido, is paved by daily dedication, persistent training, and the ability to perform when selected to wear the national jersey again. [Goal]