Moises Gonzรกlez, a 27-year-old Brownsville native and forward for the Selecciรณn Mexicana Minifutbol team, represented the nation during the 2019 World Minifootball Federation World Cup in Perth, Australia.
The Selecciรณn Mexicana Minifutbol team won the tournament Oct. 11, 4-0, against Minifootball Brazil.
Gonzรกlez never thought about becoming a member of the Selecciรณn Mexicana Minifutbol national team.
โI feel happy,โ he said in Spanish. โI never even imagined to be called to the world cup.โ
Gonzรกlez scored eight goals throughout the tournament and opened up the score for his team in the final against Minifootball Brazil.
โWhat can I say โฆ itโs the best feeling for any soccer player,โ he said. โI was lucky to score first, but what matters is that we brought home the trophy.โ
After high school, Gonzรกlez remained active playing professional soccer for RGV Barracudas in Brownsville, Atlanteโs Sub 20 professional soccer team in Cancun and Celaya F.C. in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Gonzรกlez caught the eye of both nations.
As a U.S. citizen whose parents were born in Mexico, he had the option to represent either the U.S. National Team or the Selecciรณn Mexicana Minifutbol.
โMexico,โ he said without hesitating
Gonzรกlez said it is important to reachย goals step by step.
โTo reach an objective you need to work little by little and to do things the right way,โ he said. โThroughout the tournament, the team gave it their best in every game and that was key to winning the tournament.โ
He also shared his first thoughts after the final whistle.
โItโs an unforgettable experience,โ Gonzรกlez said. โIโm grateful to my family, who were always there, supporting me through text messages and calls after each game. And to all the people who would send their support through social media. Even to the fans that encourage us in Australia, which made us feel just like at home.โ
After the tournament, Gonzรกlez was awarded Most Valuable Player.
โI never even thought about it,โ he said. โI always try and give my best in every game by helping the team reach its objective and thatโs what we did. The rest came on its own with the help from everyone in the team.โ
Gonzรกlez encourages soccer players not to give up on their dreams.
โIโve been fortunate to play with many teams, in many different places, but every opportunity comes with a sacrifice,โ he said. โYou need to learn how to be disciplined. If you really want something, you have to dedicate your 100% and keep working hard toward your goal until you get it.โ
Gonzรกlez currently plays with Utica City FC in New York and his plan after becoming champion of the world is to enjoy his free time with his family.
