Santiago Muñoz’s path to Real Madrid via Newcastle United is beginning! On Sunday, the very close namesake of the famous Goal! film series (Santiago Munez) logged his first Liga MX minutes with Santos Laguna during his side’s 2-1 win over Atlético San Luis.
There’s a lot to appreciate in Muñoz’s story. Born in El Paso, Texas, Muñoz — much like the film character — was given his professional opportunity after shining at a 2017 Alianza de Futbol showcase (tryouts that are notoriously ignored by many MLS clubs but championed by Liga MX sides).
He was promptly picked up by Santos at the age of 16, and he really made a name for himself while playing alongside Efraín Álvarez (LA Galaxy) and Eugenio Pizzuto (Lille) during Mexico’s run to the final of the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Muñoz only scored one goal that tournament — as well as converting his penalty in the semifinal shootout win over the Netherlands — but that strike against Japan in the Round of 16 was named Goal of the Tournament.
#U17TD ¡Solo solitoooooo!
Santiago Muñoz armó individualmente la jugada y se atrevió a marcar el segundo de @miseleccionmx directo al arco¡Para ver este golazo una y otra vez!
Japón 0-2 México pic.twitter.com/Tg8y8o8fP5
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) November 6, 2019
The 18-year-old striker was an unused substitute on a number of occasions for Santos throughout the Apertura, but he was given his first 17 minutes on Sunday as Santos prevailed with goals from Gael Sandoval and Julio Furch.
Segunda sustitución verdiblanca:Sale: @Laloaguirre146.
Ingresa y hace su debut en @LigaBBVAMX: @santi_mr10. ¡MUCHO ÉXITO EN TU TRAYECTORIA, #GUERRERO! #ModoGuerrero pic.twitter.com/P00Ji6Xd2P— Club Santos (@ClubSantos) October 26, 2020
Let’s also take a minute to appreciate the fact that Muñoz entered the match wearing No. 192.
Un debut más bajo el mando de Guillermo Almada.#ModoGuerrero pic.twitter.com/vYIaiWHNCy
— Club Santos (@ClubSantos) October 26, 2020
With two matches remaining before the playoffs, Santos is in seventh and assured of a spot in the first round.
