Hispanic athletes, with their warrior spirit, have earned their place among the very best in the United States and beyond.
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As we close Hispanic Heritage Month, Unanimo Deportes pays tribute to the men and women we believe represent our heritage as ambassadors in the world of sports.
Our Top 10 Hispanic Athletes list:
Saul Alvarez
Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán, from Jalisco, has gone from selling popsicles on public transport in his native Guadalajara to becoming what many consider is the best pound for pound boxer in the world today.
Thanks to his speed, style and power, in 59 professional fights he has only been on the losing side once, and that was eight years ago against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Since then, “Canelo” Álvarez has won world championships in four different weight divisions.
?? Este 6 de noviembre vamos a poner al boxeo de México en todo lo alto. ¡Vamos por el cinturón que nos falta!
?? This Nov 6th we’ll put mexican boxing on top. Going for the missing belt!#Undisputed #CaneloPlant@Hennessy @ValueGF pic.twitter.com/cxOjrZbzJh
— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) August 19, 2021
Jose Altuve
Venezuelan José Carlos Altuve came to Major League Baseball (MLB) and is practically irreplaceable as the Houston Astros’ second baseman, winning the World Series in 2017.
The “Astroboy”, as he is known, has played in six All-Star Games and has also been the batting and stolen base leader on several occasions in the American League, not counting the Silver Slugger Award achieved as best second baseman.
He is considered to be the smallest active player in the Major Leagues, with big plans beyond the mound, and to serve as a positive example for all Latinos.
I, literally, love pizza! When ordering @PapaJohnsHousTx on game days, enter code ALTUVE for a chance to meet me! pic.twitter.com/AWjRMjVXkH
— Jose Altuve (@JoseAltuve27) October 24, 2017
Al Horford
Alfred Joel Horford Reynoso is 35 years old and has played in four NBA teams during a career that has spanned three decades.
During that time, he has signed contracts which exceed a total of $239 million.
Originally from Puerto Plata, his 6’9” frame allows him to do double duty as a power forward and center.
His skills and knowledge of the game have allowed him to become the first Dominican to play in an NBA All-Star Game.
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Welcome home, @Al_Horford ☘️ pic.twitter.com/2h9QaGT9Qw
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 18, 2021
Tatiana Suarez
At 30 years old, Tatiana Yadira Suarez Padilla is a true example of perseverance in overcoming thyroid cancer which made her miss the 2012 London Olympics as a member of the United States Greco-Roman Wrestling team.
Of Mexican descent and originally from Covina, California, Tatiana was able to quickly turn around what many people would consider a career ending condition.
Through strict training, she began practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu and made her way into the Mixed Martial Arts world, making her debut in 2014 in the Gladiator Challenge promotion by defeating Tyra Parker. She was chosen to take part in The Ultimate Fighter series in 2015, advancing to the main stage, Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Suarez has won all eight of her fights, although she has battled injuries that have limited her schedule.
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Jon Rahm
Originally from Barrica, Vizcaya, Jon Rahm Rodríguez began to shine in golf from his time at Arizona State University, where he won 11 tournaments rising to the top and holding the number one Amateur ranking for a record 60 weeks.
In college, he was also the first golfer to win the Ben Hogan Award, which recognizes the best college golfer in the United States.
In 2016, Jon made his debut as a professional golfer and thanks to his excellent swing he started to climb the ranks surpassing Rory Mcllroy at the top of the rankings in the Professional Golfers Association (PGA).
About to turn 27 years old, the best is yet to come for the “León de Barrica” as he is one of Hispanic athletes with the brightest future in any sport.
What a thrilling finish – that was special! On to the @playofffinale #vamos pic.twitter.com/PlwLz2WZCn
— Jon Rahm Rodriguez (@JonRahmpga) August 31, 2020
Javier Baez
The popularity of Puerto Rican Ednel Javier Báez allowed him to be ranked as the #4 player with the most shirts sold this season in Major League Baseball.
His power at bat and his ability as an infielder was key in the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series victory. Baez moved to the New York Mets, where after a shaky start with fans after his trade, has become one of the most popular players in the franchise.
This year, he wound up with a .299 clip in 47 games with the Mets.
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Michael Davis
For the cornerback of Mexican descent, his college career at Brigham Young University proved to be the key that opened the National Football League (NFL) gate.
A native of Glendale, California, also with outstanding skills in track and field during his high school years, Michael Davis received a scholarship to Brigham Young where he was a starter for three seasons. In 2017 he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Chargers in the practice squad, but was promoted to the active roster prior to the start of the season and later became a starter.
Davis has transformed his body into a canvas, sporting tattoos of Emiliano Zapata, Pancho Villa, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo reflecting his Hispanic heritage.
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Ryan Garcia
At just 23 years old, Ryan García Díaz is considered one of the new stars of professional boxing.
Born in Victorville, California, the Mexican blood of his parents runs through his veins and, although he does not speak Spanish, he usually goes into the ring carrying symbols allusive to his heritage.
Ryan has only 21 fights as a professional and remains undefeated in the lightweight category.
Thanks to his fighting technique and great defensive ability, some boxing analysts consider him to be the new “Golden Boy”.
He was scheduled to fight Joseph “Jojo” Diaz on November 27, challenging him for the World Boxing Council interim lightweight title, but an injury has postponed that bout.
Back on the grind my boys ?? pic.twitter.com/bV6WZAfTqO
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) September 7, 2021
Auston Matthews
Auston Taylour Matthews represents Hispanics in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he serves as center and backup captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Of Mexican descent, as his mother is originally from Sonora, Auston Taylour was born 24 years ago in San Ramon, California.
Considered a promising player, in 2016 he was selected by Toronto during the NHL Draft. In his first season he had an impressive 40 goals that earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy, an award for the season’s best rookie.
Last year, Matthews also won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the league’s top scorer with 41 goals in 52 games.
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Javier Eduardo Lopez
The midfielder originally from Torreón, Coahuila, is experiencing a true resurrection in his soccer career in the United States, as one of the top Hispanic players of the moment.
Despite starting out as a promising player in the Mexican Liga MX and good performances during several seasons, Javier Eduardo López Ramírez‘s play with the Chivas de Guadalajara was in decline and that caused his departure from the Chivas club.
However, under the guidance of Argentine coach Matías Almeyda, “La Chofis” López has substantially improved his competitive level at the San José Earthquakes and this Major League Soccer season, he has surpassed the performance of fellow Mexicans Carlos Vela and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.
The San Jose Earthquakes midfielder was named September’s player of the month.
¡Los goles son amores!?#VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/zJY0ckue5U
— MLS Español (@MLSes) October 6, 2021