Néstor Araujo is a Mexican association football player known for his role as a defender.
He is an Olympic gold medalist, highlighting his success on the international stage.
Araujo joined Cruz Azul's youth academy in 2007 and made his first-team debut in 2010.
Biography
Early Life and Background
Néstor Alejandro Araujo Razo, a talented Mexican professional footballer, was born into a family with a passion for sports. He has an older brother, Félix, who also pursued a career in football, suggesting that athleticism runs in the family. Araujo's journey in football began at a young age, as he joined the Cruz Azul youth academy in 2007, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising defender.
Club Career
Araujo made his professional debut for Cruz Azul in 2010, quickly establishing himself as a key player. His career took a significant turn when he joined Santos Laguna in 2013 on a loan deal, where he made an immediate impact. He scored his first goal for Santos in 2014 and helped the team secure multiple titles, including the Copa MX and the league title in 2015. After a successful stint at Santos, Araujo moved to Celta de Vigo in 2018, marking his entry into European football.
International Career
Araujo's international career began in 2011 when he was called up to the Mexico national team. He made his debut during the Copa America, where he scored in a match against Chile. Over the years, he became a regular fixture in the national squad, participating in significant tournaments such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which Mexico won. His resilience was tested when injuries sidelined him during crucial moments, but he continued to be a vital part of the national team, earning a spot in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Legacy and Impact
Araujo's journey from a youth player to an Olympic gold medalist and a professional in Europe showcases his dedication and talent. His contributions to both club and country have made him a respected figure in Mexican football, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams in the sport.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played on 9 March 2024
International
As of match played on 10 June 2023
Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Araujo goal.
Araujo received his first international call up in 2011 during the 2011 Copa America. In his international debut, he scored in a 2–1 loss against Chile during their first group stage match. He would go on to appear in the rest of the group stage matches and Mexico would end up last in the group. Araujo would be an international regular under Juan Carlos Osorio, participating in various friendlies, the CONCACAF 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Copa America Centenario, and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. On 27 March 2018, during a friendly match against Croatia, Araujo was forced off the pitch after 15 minutes when suffering an knee injury. He was sidelined since then, however in May he was named in Mexico's preliminary 28-man squad for the World Cup in Russia but had to withdraw due to experiencing tendonitis during his recovery. Araujo was part of the squad that won the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In October 2022, Araujo was named in Mexico's preliminary 31-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and in November, he was ultimately included in the final 26-man roster.
Cruz Azul
Araujo joined Cruz Azul's youth academy in 2007, making his way through the Cruz Azul Premier team and the under-20s. For the Clausura 2009 season, Araujo was registered to Cruz Azul Hidalgo squad, but did not played a single match. In 2010, Enrique Meza promoted Araujo to the first team. On 19 September, he made his Primera División debut for Cruz Azul, playing 90 minutes in the 3–0 home victory against Querétaro.
Santos Laguna
On 5 June 2013, Araujo joined Santos Laguna on a year-long loan deal with an option to buy. He made his league debut on 26 July against his former club Cruz Azul, playing the entire match as Santos earned a 3–2 victory. On 19 August 2014, Araujo scored his first goal for Santos in a 3–0 win over UAT in the Copa MX. He won his first cup with Santos Laguna following their victory over Puebla in the final of the Apertura Copa MX. The following year, Araujo won his first league title as Santos defeated Querétaro in the finals of the Clausura tournament. On 20 July, Santos defeated Club América to win the 2015 Campeón de Campeones cup; Araujo started the match and played all 90 minutes. In May 2018, Santos Laguna defeated Toluca to win the Clausura tournament following a 3–2 aggregate score in the finals. Araujo missed the finals due to an injury he suffered while on international duty with the Mexico national team.
Celta de Vigo
On 14 June 2018, Araujo joined Spanish club Celta de Vigo on a five-year contract. On 21…
- Club
- Santos Laguna (2013–)
- Club
- Cruz Azul (2010–2013)
- Club
- Mexico national under-20 football team (2011–2011)
- Club
- Mexico national under-23 football team (2011–2012)
- Club
- Mexico men's national football team (2011–)
- Club
- Cruz Azul (2018–)
- Club
- RC Celta de Vigo
- National team
- Mexico
Personal
Néstor has an older brother, Félix, who is also a professional footballer.
Clubs
- Mexico men's national football team2011current
- Santos Laguna2013current
- Cruz Azul2018current
- RC Celta de Vigocurrent
- Cruz Azul2010–2013
- Mexico national under-20 football team2011–2011
- Mexico national under-23 football team2011–2012
Played together with
- Aarón GalindoCruz Azul · 2002–2006
- Aarón GalindoSantos Laguna · 2011–2014
- Aarón SandovalSantos Laguna
Aarón ÑíguezRC Celta de Vigo · 2009–2010
Achille EmanáCruz Azul · 2013–2014- Acorán Barrera ReyesRC Celta de Vigo
- Adauto Iglesias FernándezRC Celta de Vigo
- Ademir VieiraRC Celta de Vigo
- Adolfino CañeteCruz Azul · 1984–1986
Adolfo BautistaCruz Azul- Adrian García AriasSantos Laguna · 2003–2003
- Adriano Félix TeixeiraRC Celta de Vigo · 1996–1997
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Néstor Alejandro Araujo Razo is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Liga Portugal 2 club Chaves. He is an Olympic gold medalist.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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