Carlos Vela, a prodigy who wasn't passionate about football, leaves the field.

Alberto Aceves

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, p. a10

Carlos Vela didn't like soccer, but he played it like an elite striker. His story embodied a strange paradox: the most prestigious coaches, managers, and former legends of the sport, like Hugo Sánchez, considered him one of the best in the world, while he, almost always glued to the television, preferred to sit and watch NBA games featuring LeBron James. The Mexican announced his retirement yesterday at the age of 36. He did so through a video featuring images from all the clubs he played for—Chivas, Salamanca, Osasuna, Arsenal, West Bromwich, Real Sociedad, and LAFC—after seven months of inactivity.

"I can watch four basketball games for one soccer game, because after 10 minutes I'll switch ," the talented attacker from Quintana Roo says every time someone runs into him in Los Angeles, Miami, or Cleveland, during a Lakers game in the American league. I played basketball in Cancún as a kid, but I reached an age where I had to choose just one sport. It's hard to know what player I would have been, but today there's no one as bad as I was ." That joy when talking about the courts, about LeBron or Michael Jordan—NBA legends—was rarely produced by soccer throughout his career.

Vela opted out of playing in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and rejected international call-ups for more than three years. He returned for the World Cup cycle leading up to Russia 2018, a competition in which he scored a goal against South Korea and stopped enjoying the training camps. Three years later, Argentine Gerardo Martino, then national team coach, heard through the media that the Bomber was happy to participate in the Tokyo Olympics, but that option was rejected.

“Throughout my career I’ve had some very special moments, but the time has come to retire from professional football ,” the Mexican wrote in a clip posted on social media, which features trophies, jerseys, the song LAFC fans cheered him on with during his time in MLS, to the rhythm of “Guantanamera ,” as well as rivals and friends. “There aren’t enough words to express how grateful I am for my family, all the clubs that gave me the opportunity, and the fans for their support and affection. It’s been an honor and a privilege .”

▲ The Bomber was part of the group of players who won the U-17 World Cup in 2005, a feat that catapulted his career. Interestingly, he never played in the Liga MX. AP Photo

Considered one of the greatest talents in the history of Mexican soccer, Vela seemed to have a bright future with El Tri since winning the U-17 World Cup in 2005, before signing for Arsenal in England. Although he played for Chivas in the youth teams, he never debuted in the Primera División, not even as his career drew to a close. He was signed by Arsenal, who loaned him to Salamanca in Spain, where he made his professional debut in 2006. In Spain, he also played for Osasuna and Real Sociedad, the most important club of his career.

At a time when Argentine Lionel Messi and Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo—then with Barcelona and Real Madrid—were the kings of football, he was nominated for the Spanish League's Forward of the Year award. "Your light will always be eternal, Carlos, good luck in this phase ," the San Sebastián club, along with former teammates, family, and friends, posted on his farewell message. "It was an honor to have shared the pitch with you, always a star ," goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa added from his account.

According to US media, Vela will remain involved in the sport as an ambassador for LAFC, where he joined in 2018 to spend the final six seasons of his career. At the height of his criticism for his return from Europe, the World Cup winner in South Africa 2010 and Russia 2018—a Gold Cup champion in 2009 and 2015—was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2019, scoring an MLS record 34 goals.

If Carlos had wanted, he would have easily played in the 2014 and 2026 World Cups, because he does extraordinary things , former U-17 World Cup champion coach Jesús Ramírez told this newspaper. LAFC will pay tribute to him on September 21 against Real Salt Lake.

AP and The Independent

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, p. a11

Barcelona. Lamine Yamal is Barcelona's main bet to compete at the football elite. The Spanish star arrived at La Masia at seven years old, and yesterday, a decade later, the talent in his boots led the club to agree to a contract extension until 2031, making him one of the highest-paid players on the squad.

Following Lionel Messi's departure in 2021, the comparison between the two is inevitable, due to some similarities in their playing style and the way they joined the team. In recent years, a photo of the Argentine star holding Yamal in a bathtub as a baby went viral.

The 17-year-old was instrumental this season in helping the Catalan side complete a treble of titles, winning the Spanish League, the Copa del Rey, and the Super Cup, thanks to his contributions with goals, dribbling, and dynamism on the pitch. He also scored the decisive goal to secure the club's 28th league title.

His breakthrough season, in which he scored 18 goals in total and led the Spanish league with 13 assists, followed his pivotal role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph. These accomplishments make him a strong contender to win the Ballon d'Or.

His is an appearance like few others in the world of football, which began with his debut on April 29, 2023, when he was still just 15 , the club said in a statement. Since that day, he has only grown in stature, while still maintaining his fun, brave, and easygoing style .

According to Spanish press reports, the new deal makes him one of the club's highest-paid players, earning around $17 million annually. At the end of last season, he emerged as the team's main offensive weapon, the only positive note in a period without titles.

Ivan Rakitic, a key player in the Catalans' last Champions League title in 2015, can't help but look at the current generation and curse the gods of time. Because despite playing alongside the trident of Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suárez, he feels Yamal could have taken that era's team even further.

▲ The 17-year-old footballer was vital this season for the Catalans and is the favorite to win his first Ballon d'Or. Photo AFP

The truth is, it's very difficult to put someone in that team, not just from Barcelona, ​​but from everywhere , he said. But good players are always welcome, they can always help, and they asked me if there would be room for Lamine. If you play with Leo, there's no room for anyone. But we would have found a way to fit him in, that's obvious. He's an incredible guy .

Rakitic isn't the first to praise the Barcelona sensation. Nor is he the first to equate Yamal with Messi. The Spaniard can undoubtedly play for any team on the planet these days. But in saying this, Rakitic believes Yamal will play for any squad in history, because if you're good enough for Barça in those years, you've reached the ceiling of your quality.

The parallels with the legendary members of that trident are obvious. Like Messi, Yamal is Barcelona's latest teenage enigma chasing the title of best player in the world. And like all three, he rises to the occasion when it matters most, displaying dazzling brilliance that propels his team to glory, so it's no surprise Rakitic has him as a favorite to win his first Ballon d'Or.

With Flick at the helm, Yamal fit perfectly into the German coach's attacking style, which also gave more prominence to the Polish player Robert Lewandowski and brought back the Brazilian Raphinha, who also finished this season in a state of grace.

If he manages to take home the prestigious award, he would have done so four years before his idol, eight-time winner Messi. "We're talking about a 17-year-old kid; this tells us it's not a question of age," the Croatian insists.

▲ The Serbian maintained Geneva's winning streak and strengthened his position at the top of the draw. Photo AFP

From the editorial staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, p. a11

After winning his 100th career title a few days ago in Geneva, Novak Djokovic got off to a strong start at the French Open. The Serbian defeated Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, three times, to underline his presence in the second Grand Slam of the year and strengthen his position at the top of the draw.

Aside from a few interruptions in the first set and lengthy discussions about the windy and wet weather, the 24- time major champion had no major issues against the 98th- ranked player on Court Philippe Chatrier.

"He makes it look like a video game ," said McDonald, a 30-year-old American who has twice reached the fourth round at Grand Slam tournaments. " I don't even think he was playing his best tennis ."

Before Djokovic stepped onto the playing surface, he was identified by the stadium announcer by his total number of Grand Slam trophies, the three he has won at the French Open and the Olympic gold he won here in Paris .

I still remember last year's Games. It was the last time I was here , Djokovic said afterward. The emotion is very strong .

Nole arrived in Paris seeking the level that had led him to dominate the ATP Tour so flawlessly. The Balkan native, who ended his time winless at the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in Monte Carlo and Madrid, reached the hundredth trophy mark in Geneva in a golden career. At 38, his chance to shine again in Paris will be built match by match.

Also advancing without a scratch was Alexander Zverev, last year's finalist against Alcaraz, who defeated the 19-year-old American promise Learner Tien 6-3, 6-3 and 6-4.

Gael Monfils suffered a dangerous fall early in his first-round match against Bolivian Hugo Dellien. He was then 2-0 down in sets. However, the Frenchman overcame all the adversities and won 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-1. Among the day's surprises were the elimination of Daniil Medvedev and the withdrawal of Grigor Dimitrov due to injury.

In the women's draw, world number two Coco Gauff qualified with authority by beating Australian Olivia Gadecki 6-2, 6-2, in doubles.

"I knew it wouldn't be a fair match because it was very windy ," said Gauff, who has been defeated in the last three editions of Roland Garros by eventual winner Iga Swiatek, including a final in 2022.

Russian Mirra Andreeva also advanced, but in her case coming back from a 3-0 deficit in the first set, against Spanish Cristina Bucsa, whom she defeated 6-4 and 6-3.

(With information from AP)

▲ On a nearly hellish course, the Baja California cyclist managed to maintain his lead. Photo AFP

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, p. a12

The third week of the Giro d'Italia has begun with its cruelest tests. Mountain stages with the toughest categories, the Alpine zone whose slopes, rather than ascending, seem to lead to the last circle of hell. There, cyclists destroy their legs and whatever little soul they have left trying to climb the slopes with gradients of up to 12 percent.

Mexican Isaac del Toro defended the Giro's pink jersey on the fearsome stage 16, but he did so devastated, with only a narrow margin over his pursuers, Britain's Simon Yates and Ecuador's Richard Carapaz, who have now truly threatened the Baja California cyclist's lead. Tuesday was a chaotic torment in which some competitors have already given up hope of fighting for the classification and can barely think about surviving.

"I suffered as if every moment was the worst ," said an exhausted Del Toro, a 21-year-old Mexican who seemed to have aged a decade after the inhuman effort in these mountains.

It was a slow, painful ride. In the end, my legs were gone. They weren't bad, but they weren't enough. I'm happy to have reached the finish line. I hope things get better in the next few days , added Del Toro, who for the first time looked exhausted.

When Carapaz, Olympic champion at the 2021 Tokyo Games and winner of the 2019 Giro, attacked on the final climb in the Dolomites, Del Toro had no response.

The tricolor's lead was reduced to 26 seconds ahead of Britain's Simon Yates (Team Visma) and 31 seconds over Carapaz (EF Education-Post).

It was a difficult day for Del Toro's team, as Spaniard Juan Ayuso, who was third overall, dropped back on the penultimate of the four climbs.

Primoz Roglic, the 2023 champion and pre-race favorite, retired after crashing on a slippery road midway through the stage. He was in tenth place overall after dropping five places on Sunday.

Christian Scaroni became the first Italian to win a stage in this Giro after entering an early breakaway. He crossed the finish line hand in hand with fellow Italian Lorenzo Fortunato, his Astana teammate, but was slightly ahead.

The 203-kilometer route from Piazzola sul Brenta to San Valentino was made more treacherous by rain at the start. The final climb lasted 18.2 kilometers and featured a section with a 12 percent gradient at its peak.

Italian Alessio Martinelli was hospitalized after sliding into a ravine. The VG Group Bardiani-CSF Faizane team said Martinelli was conscious and in stable condition . He was pulled from the gorge on a stretcher attached to a rope by an alpine rescue team.

Wednesday's Stage 17 is a 155-kilometer stretch from San Michele All'Adige to Bormio with three climbs, including the Mortirolo, one of the Giro's toughest and most famous slopes.

(With information from AP)

Adriana Díaz Reyes

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, p. a12

To achieve her dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, Regina Martínez has done everything from working 14-hour shifts in a hospital emergency room to walking dogs, sharing rent with roommates, and taking advantage of discounts on training equipment.

"I've become a very thrifty person because it takes a lot of money to practice my sport. I'm always calculating how many hours I have to work to save up. Traveling is expensive, and for now, I'm covering most of my own expenses. It would be incredible to have more support ," commented the athlete, who last April earned a historic spot in cross-country skiing for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games; the first in the specialty for Mexico.

Belonging to the world's elite is a costly endeavor. Skis cost 300 euros, and a professional athlete must have at least three pairs; poles cost 200, and three are also required; boots cost from 300 to 1,000 dollars, and skates 500. In addition, Martínez must pay for professional advice at 120 dollars an hour, as well as travel to seek experience.

The allies

I've had some really nice people supporting me. Germán Madrazo, who also represented Mexico, gave me a free year-long training plan, and when I started training with a Norwegian coach, it was free for a while, too , the doctor said.

▲ The athlete (81) achieved a historic place in cross-country skiing, the first for Mexico, for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Now she is seeking greater support for her preparation given the high costs of her sport. Photo @doctor_regina

Regina studied medicine at the University of Minnesota and then specialized in biochemistry at Baylor University. She earned a master's degree in epidemiology at Columbia University and specialized in emergency medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

There are days when I feel very tired, but I try to balance medicine and sports as best I can. I finished my residency in July, and since then I've been able to dedicate more time to my training. I'm sure that achieving a good spot at the Winter Games isn't an unattainable goal.

Since she was little, the selected girl was hyperactive, which is why she decided to study medicine.

The emergency department is very special because many people are experiencing the worst day of their lives, and it's a privilege to support them. I enjoy helping; I love the adrenaline rush. Sometimes you have to see three patients at the same time, but with patience, everything can be achieved.

For now, Martínez only has Polish coach Ragnar Bragvin on his team; in the future, he hopes to have a personal physician and a physiatrist.

I try to read a lot of books about sports, learn about supplements and proteins; that way, I make up for the lack of professional guidance.

Although Martínez was the one who obtained the spot, she must wait for the Mexican Federation of the specialty to officially confirm that she will represent our country. In the meantime, the athlete will seek to travel to countries like Argentina to continue competing.