Chofis López joined the unfortunate list, robbed on the outskirts of La Noria.
Historically, Mexican football has been known for generating significant earnings for players, a reality that has, at times, allowed crime to go largely unchecked by those who benefit from the sport. In the Mexican league, there have been repeated episodes where players, coaches, managers, or even entire teams were robbed of valuable assets, sometimes escalating to kidnapping in extreme cases.
The case of José de Jesús Corona in Mexico City stands as the most recent high-profile incident, yet it sits within a long line of attacks that have affected players both at home and abroad.
Here, target stories are told from several perspectives, highlighting the broad reach of this troubling trend across the football world.
RUBEN OMAR ROMANO
In 2005, following a training session in La Noria, Romano was intercepted by an organized crime group and subsequently kidnapped. The incident sparked widespread concern in Mexico and beyond, and Romano was released after 65 days following intervention by federal authorities.
JAIR PEREIRA
In 2018, while a member of Chivas, the coach faced a midtown armed robbery in Guadalajara. The precise amount involved was not disclosed, but the incident unfolded in a span of five minutes, leaving a lasting impact on those involved.
IVAN MARCONE
Details were sparse about dates, but it was noted that Iván Marcone left Mexico City amid safety concerns following a confrontation. The event included an assault in which he was a victim.
CARLOS SALCEDO
The Titan became a crime target while visiting Guadalajara, enduring an armed robbery in which a chain and a high-end AP watch were taken.
ATLAS CAMPUS IN LEON
During a visit to León for matchday 7 of Guardianes 2021, the squad was attacked at the concentration hotel while players were warming up. Thieves entered rooms and carried off watches, wallets, electronic tablets, and other valuables.
ALAN PULIDO
In 2016, Pulido Izaguirre was kidnapped while vacationing in Ciudad Victoria. The Sporting Kansas City striker was abducted, taken to a private residence, and released 24 hours later. Reactions to the event varied, as some believed he escaped with outside help while others questioned the circumstances of the release.
JESUS RICARDO ANGULO
Chivas player Jesus Angulo faced legal inquiries after a criminal incident in Zapopan, Jalisco. According to the Jalisco Public Prosecutor’s Office, he was accused of failing to appear before authorities to testify after the robbery that targeted him. The assailants attempted to seize his truck and briefly deprived him of his freedom. Angulo and a companion were eventually shot during a police-led pursuit on Avenida Inglaterra. Official comments emphasized ongoing investigative work and the need to respect victims while determining the facts. The prosecutor indicated that prior threats to the player would not be treated as a variable in the investigation unless substantiated by evidence.
Social updates from Angulo after the incident reflected gratitude for safety and an acknowledgment of the ordeal, with public messages thanking supporters and praying for continued safety.
Subsequent posts from Angulo drew attention to difficulties with financial institutions, recounting experiences with card replacement and identity documentation during the aftermath of the robbery. These messages underscored the broader, practical consequences that follow such incidents for players and their families.
RUBENS SAMBUEZA
Sambueza and his brother Fabián were robbed on the streets of Barranquilla, Colombia. Two individuals on a motorcycle intercepted them outside Fabian’s home, threatened them with a gun, and took two watches, including a Rolex, along with a ring. Police have not apprehended the criminals or recovered the stolen items.
JAVIER “CHOFIS” LOPEZ
Javier Eduardo López joined the list after reporting an assault while returning to Guadalajara. The Mexican midfielder shared the incident to address ongoing rumors about his commitment to his MLS club. He disclosed that he lost belongings, including a visa and a passport, during the attack and is working to recover them to rejoin his team in MLS.
JOSE DE JESUS CORONA
During an armed robbery after a training session on a Thursday at La Noria facilities, Corona was stripped of valuables. ESPN reported material losses exceeding 12,000 pesos, but neither he nor his teammates sustained physical injuries.
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