Alejandro Zendejas has dominated international headlines of North America.

Starboy

He was the subject of the latest dual-national recruitment battle between CONCACAF giants, the United States and Mexico. The Mexican-American had played within the youth teams of both countries including representing the US in the U-17 World Cup on a team that included Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams.

The time had come to make his final decision on who he wanted to represent but the path to this point is just as important to highlight. Let’s rewind to 2016 when Zendejas was 18 years old and he earned his transfer abroad to Liga MX team, C.D. Guadalajara a.k.a Chivas – a team that only employs Mexican players.

"You have to choose either the U.S, National Team or us.

I had to resign to the USA for a while. That's what I told the US U-20 coach handling the national team at the time. I was 18 so I didn't know what was right for me. I don't know what to do, because what if I do go to the national team? What clubs am I gonna go to? I had just signed for this team".

The Choice

"It was the right move at the time because through it, Zendejas matured as a player and started to make his initial waves in the region.

Honestly, that helped me out a lot. Like, they sent me out on loan for a year and I balled out, I played almost everything.

This earned him a move to Necaxa, which was followed by a move to arguably the most predominant team in the region – Club América. It’s here where Zendejas would go from a prospect to a regional star.

Club América is crazy. If you're doing good, everyone's name gets out there and you start making noise. Then with this whole two nationality drama, my name really got there".

This is what happens when you play at the mythical Estadio Azteca, where the likes of legendary figures such as Maradona and Pele further etched their mark on history.

A technical, tricker winger himself, Zendejas, electrifies the América crowd with dazzling dribbles and a magical left foot. With the support of new head coach Fernando Ortiz, it took Zendejas’s game to the next level.

"We got this new coach and the new coach gave me that confidence. At the end of the day, that’s what every soccer player needs, you know, that confidence to really show what you got".

Looking Forward

“Like for us forwards who do one versus ones, and we don’t beat our player, it gets into our head. So you need a coach that will tell you it's alright, focus on the next one. He doesn't care if you lose it once or twice as long as you try and you give 100%.

"With the attention Zendejas was garnering from his play at América, the United States wanted to bring their former youth player back in the fold after six years.

It was tough because obviously being away for six years, it's not an easy choice. My parents are Mexican, my whole family's Mexican. I have that Mexican heritage. I love it but I just grew up in the States, you know?

With Zendejas living in Mexico for a few years now, he takes us through a day in the life of living in Mexico City.

My favorite breakfast spot is a place in Mexico City called Madres Café in Polanco, that is where the best avocado toast and coffee is. For traditional Mexican food, my favorite place is Cardinal. You can get mole, huevos rancheros, tortas, chilaquile, everything that is a staple in the culture”.

With food being such a passion of his, will being a chef or owning a restaurant be in his future?

"No, no I don’t want to be a chef. However, I would definitely like to be a dietitian or someone that can tell people what is the best food for their bodies for performance. Food and fitness are both things I have a passion for.

After a six-year hiatus, Zendejas had a chance to test the waters of the U.S. National Team in a mostly region-focused camp back in January which he attended after an invitation from the U.S.

Shortly after this camp, Zendejas made his choice. Being back in this January camp, I felt so comfortable, like I felt like I never left.

‘Familla’

“I could talk with anyone about their experiences in Europe or they're open to talk about anything, you know? That's like one of the reasons I chose the US, I feel like that wouldn't happen in Mexico.

My family. They're super proud of me. And they're happy and I'm happy to have their support system. They're always behind me 100%. They're always supporting everything I do.

Without them I wouldn't be where I am today.

Man, it's unreal. I didn't think I was gonna see these guys ever again. Maybe Club team or something but national team? I thought it was going to be a while, it's been six years.

To just play an official game with these guys, it's like you're in the big leagues now. It's exciting but I’m just taking it all in because it all goes by so fast… so just just enjoy every moment”.

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