The Low Point at Monterrey
Rodrigo Aguirre’s career has not been without challenges. Before joining Monterrey, Aguirre was seen as a promising young forward in Mexican football. However, his time at Monterrey didn’t go as expected. In the 2023-24 season, he only scored one goal in 26 league matches, and he struggled to find the back of the net in the domestic league for a long time. Compared to his potential, these results were disappointing, and he gradually became less important to the team.
At this point, América came into the picture as a chance for Aguirre to restart his career. His departure was perhaps a relief for Monterrey, but for Aguirre, it was the beginning of something new.
A New Beginning at América
When Aguirre joined América, he quickly regained his form. His first game was full of drama: in an away match against Juárez, Aguirre came on as a substitute and scored the winning goal in injury time. This goal not only gave América three important points but also gave Aguirre the boost he needed to rediscover his confidence. From that moment on, he started showing his potential as a goal-scoring forward.
In the following matches, Aguirre became more involved in the team’s attacking play. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he consistently showed his ability to score. As of the 2024 season, Aguirre has scored 5 goals and provided 1 assist for América. Each goal has been a personal victory for him, helping him regain his confidence.
A Call-Up to the National Team
Aguirre’s performances didn’t go unnoticed by the national team. Argentina’s Marcelo Bielsa, the coach of Uruguay, took an interest in him. In November 2023, Aguirre received his first call-up to the Uruguayan national team.
This moment was a huge milestone in Aguirre’s career. Playing for your national team is a great honor for any footballer. In his first match for Uruguay against Colombia, Aguirre started and scored his first international goal in the 60th minute, sealing the win for his team. After scoring, Aguirre couldn’t hold back his tears, reflecting on the long journey he had taken to get there. He said after the match:
“In the celebration, my life passed before me… everything it took to get here, I thought of my childhood, with my family in the stands, and I can’t believe it. It is the dream of every child.”
Looking Ahead
As Aguirre’s form continued to improve, América began to rely on him more. Especially with Henry Martín sidelined due to injury, Aguirre became a key player in the team’s attack. Not only did he continue to score goals, but he also provided valuable support in important moments. In the match against Tijuana, Aguirre came off the bench, assisted in the build-up to the team’s first goal, and scored a crucial penalty in the shootout, helping América advance.
Looking to the future, Aguirre’s potential remains exciting. As América’s forward, he has grown more confident and reliable in the attack, becoming an important player for the team. On the national team level, his performance has raised expectations for his future. As he gains more experience, Aguirre is sure to become an important part of Uruguay’s forward line.