How Did the Rojiblanca Academy Experience Preseason with the First Team? | OneFootball

Joining the First Team for preseason represents one of the most important milestones in the journey of any player from the Rojiblanca Academy. It is their first opportunity to experience the daily demands of a top-flight squad, understand the pace required in the highest level of Mexican football, and compete for a place within Guadalajara’s sporting project.

Ahead of the Apertura 2026 and the Leagues Cup, Cristo Navarrete, Yohan Orozco, Leonel Calderón, Hugo Mata, Jesús Hernández, and Carlos Hernández experienced their first preseason with Guadalajara. They were joined by Sebastián Liceaga, Ángel Romero, Sergio Aguayo, and Ángel Chávez, who had previously gone through the experience and once again trained alongside the Sacred Flock.

How did the young Rojiblancos experience preseason?

Training days began early and featured double sessions, physical conditioning, and tactical work. Every practice presented a different challenge, both because of the intensity and the speed at which each drill had to be executed.

Adapting to the demands of the First Team became one of the biggest lessons throughout these weeks. At the same time, the preparation they received from the Rojiblanca Academy was evident, as several of them integrated naturally into the group’s daily routine.

Beyond the football aspect, the academy players also had the opportunity to spend time with experienced professionals, learning firsthand from their work habits and daily routines.

The Rookie Tradition

As part of their integration into the squad, the young players also went through the traditional rookie initiation, one of the memorable moments that usually marks the beginning of their journey with the First Team. Amid laughter and a great atmosphere, several of the club’s veteran players shaved their heads, continuing a long-standing tradition that reflects the unity and camaraderie that define Guadalajara.

Beyond the physical preparation, the experience gave these academy graduates a firsthand understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level as they continue pursuing their goal of establishing themselves as professional players with Chivas.