Alan Pulido: Veteran Striker’s Journey from MLS Glory to Liga MX Return
Mexico City, January 6, 2026 – Alan Pulido, the 34-year-old Mexican forward, has carved out a distinguished career in football, marked by resilience, goal-scoring prowess, and international representation. After a triumphant comeback in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Sporting Kansas City, Pulido returned to his roots at Chivas Guadalajara in January 2025, contributing to the team’s Liga MX campaign.
Early Career and Rise in Mexico
Pulido was born on March 8, 1991, in Ciudad Victoria, Mexico. He began his professional journey at Tigres UANL, debuting in 2009 and scoring his first goal in a SuperLiga match against Chivas USA. During his time at Tigres from 2010 to 2014, he amassed 105 appearances and 23 goals. He briefly played in Greece with Levadiakos and Olympiacos before returning to Mexico with Guadalajara in 2016.
At Chivas, Pulido flourished, scoring 34 goals in 97 appearances from 2016 to 2019. He helped the team win the Copa MX in 2017 and participated in the Concacaf Champions League. His international debut came in 2014, where he scored a hat-trick against South Korea and earned 20 caps with 5 goals for Mexico, including appearances at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.
MLS Era and Comeback at Sporting Kansas City
In December 2019, Pulido joined Sporting Kansas City as a Designated Player. In his first two seasons, he scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 36 games, earning the club’s Offensive Player of the Year award in 2020. However, a severe knee injury in January 2022 sidelined him for the entire 2022 season.
Pulido made a remarkable return on April 1, 2023, and exploded for 14 goals and three assists in the MLS regular season, leading Sporting to the playoffs. He was named MLS Comeback Player of the Year, the club’s Most Valuable Player, and Golden Boot winner in 2023. In 2024, he added seven goals and four assists in 31 appearances before his contract expired.
Return to Chivas and Current Status
On January 7, 2025, Pulido rejoined Chivas Guadalajara on a contract set to expire at an unspecified date. In the Liga MX Apertura 2025 season, he appeared in 16 matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Despite limited playing time—starting in two games and coming off the bench in three—he contributed to victories against Pachuca and Club Tijuana. His market value is estimated at €800,000, and he remains a former international for Mexico.
Key Facts / Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alan Pulido Izaguirre |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1991 (Age 34) |
| Height / Position | 1.76 meters / Centre-Forward |
| Club Career Totals | 313 appearances, 100 goals, 33 assists |
| MLS Stats (Sporting KC) | 92 appearances, 35 goals, 6 assists |
| Liga MX Stats (Chivas, 2025) | 16 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist |
| International Caps/Goals | 20 caps, 5 goals (Mexico) |
| Major Awards | MLS Comeback Player of the Year (2023), Chivas Copa MX Winner (2017) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alan Pulido’s current team?
Alan Pulido currently plays for Chivas Guadalajara in Liga MX, having rejoined the club in January 2025 after his stint in MLS.
How did Alan Pulido earn the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award?
After missing the entire 2022 season due to a knee injury, Pulido returned in 2023, scoring 14 goals and three assists in the MLS regular season, helping Sporting Kansas City reach the playoffs.
What are Alan Pulido’s international achievements?
Pulido represented Mexico in 20 matches, scoring 5 goals. He participated in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, 2011 Copa América, and 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.