Mexican Soccer Mourns the Death of Trailblazing Former Striker Raúl Paredes
Posted on 08/07/26 at 12:00
Mexican soccer is mourning the death of Raúl Paredes, the former Chivas striker who is widely recognized as the first Mexican footballer to pave the way in German soccer. According to multiple reports, he died at the age of 59 due to a brain injury.
Raúl Paredes left a significant mark on both Mexican soccer and European football, becoming a trailblazer for the generations of Mexican players who later pursued careers abroad.
Raúl Paredes Made His Professional Debut With Zacatepec and Played for Several Mexican Clubs
Raúl Paredes began his professional career with Zacatepec in the early 1980s. He later played for Chivas, Necaxa, Irapuato, and Correcaminos, establishing himself as an experienced striker across several clubs in Mexican soccer.
The First Mexican to Play in Germany
«Raúl Paredes, originally from Cuernavaca, Morelos, has passed away.
He emerged from the Torneo de los Barrios and made his professional debut with Zacatepec at age 16. He later played for Correcaminos, Irapuato, Necaxa, UT Neza, and Chivas.
He was the first Mexican to play in Germany (Schalke 04 and FC Magdeburg).
Rest in peace.» pic.twitter.com/RXK0VfW19P
— Adolfo Peñaloza (@Adolfo_Penaloza) August 6, 2026
In 1988, Raúl Paredes made the uncommon decision for that era to travel to Europe in search of an opportunity in German football.
He joined Schalke 04, becoming the first Mexican footballer to play in Germany.
Years later, he recalled how he managed to make the move.
«In 1988, I joined Schalke 04. To make it happen, my agent and I had to buy my transfer rights from Irapuato. Once I owned my registration, I left for Germany to look for an opportunity,» he said in an interview with BolaVIP.
He Also Played for Magdeburg
«Raúl Paredes, the historic first Mexican footballer to play in Germany and a native of Cuernavaca, has passed away.»
https://t.co/U9al1pxcaL pic.twitter.com/Z8fW9cQmtH
— Zona Centro Noticias (@ZonaCNoticias) August 5, 2026
After Raúl Paredes’ time with Correcaminos, the former striker returned to Germany to join Magdeburg, a club that qualified for the UEFA Cup during that period.
Paredes later explained that he had remained in contact with people he met during his first experience in Germany, making his return to European football possible.
Through his remarkable career, Raúl Paredes secured his place in history as one of the pioneers who opened the door for Mexican players to compete internationally—long before transfers to European clubs became common.
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