Alberto Medina: From Culiacán to the Guadalajara History Books | OneFootball

Today, the Rojiblanca Nation is celebrating! Alberto ‘Venado’ Medina turns 43, honoring the story of a footballer who left a lasting mark on Chivas thanks to his talent, speed, and commitment on the pitch. Becoming one of the most beloved players among the Rojiblanca fans, he played a key role in the Apertura 2006 title run and starred in many unforgettable moments wearing the Guadalajara jersey, which he always defended with pride and passion.

That’s why today we revisit his career and some of his greatest moments with the team of his dreams.

Alberto ‘Venado’ Medina’s beginnings in football

Originally from Culiacán, Sinaloa, the ‘Venado’ began his football journey at a very young age, when his mother took him to play at just 6 years old. His first steps came on neighborhood fields and with the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, where he quickly stood out and eventually became part of the Sinaloa State Team.

One of the most special memories from his childhood was his first-ever goal, scored directly from a corner kick on his mother’s birthday, a dedication he still remembers fondly to this day.

The ‘Venado’s path to the Rojiblanca Academy

Little by little, Medina continued developing within Sinaloan football, a stage that boosted his growth as a player.

His professional journey began with Cruz Azul, where he spent nearly eight months in the club’s developmental system.

However, before signing a Third Division contract with La Máquina, he was called up to train with Mexico’s U-17 and U-20 National Teams. It was there that José Luis ‘Güero’ Real spotted his talent and opened the door for him to join the Rojiblanca Academy. Without hesitation, Medina accepted the opportunity to play for the team he had always loved. Beyond the sporting challenge, there was also a deep emotional connection, as his entire family supported the Sacred Flock.

After signing with the club’s Third Division side, he experienced the traditional rookie initiation rituals, including having his head shaved. During that stage, he shared the dressing room with future icons such as Omar Bravo, Francisco Javier ‘Maza’ Rodríguez, and Jonny Magallón.

How the nickname ‘Venado’ was born

The famous nickname was created during his first training sessions with the first team. Joel ‘Tiburón’ Sánchez, amazed by his speed and dynamism, started calling him ‘Venado’ because of how quickly he moved his legs while playing.

Over time, the nickname spread beyond the dressing room and eventually became widely recognized thanks to commentator Enrique ‘Perro’ Bermúdez during television broadcasts.

Alberto Medina’s debut with Chivas

His First Division debut came on August 20, 2000, against León, when he entered as a substitute for Benjamín Galindoat Estadio Jalisco. Although Guadalajara fell 3-1 that day, the match marked the beginning of an unforgettable story with the Sacred Flock.

Thanks to his explosive rise, Medina also became one of Guadalajara’s youngest goal scorers in official competitions, finding the net in Liga MX at just 18 years, 7 months, and 15 days old.

The assist that helped define the Apertura 2006 title

After Guadalajara went behind during the first half, ‘Maza’ Rodríguez equalized early in the second half at the Nemesio Diez. It was then that Alberto ‘Venado’ Medina delivered one of the most important plays of his career, assisting Adolfo ‘Bofo’ Bautista on the goal that made it 2-1 and paved the way toward Guadalajara’s championship.

That play remains forever etched in the memory of the Rojiblanca Nation and cemented the ‘Venado’ as one of the most beloved and important players of that generation.

That’s why today, the entire Rojiblanca Nation wishes you: Happy Birthday, ‘Venado’!