The Modelo Athletes

Edson Álvarez is a Mexican professional footballer known for his versatility as a defensive midfielder and center-back. Born on October 24, 1997, in Tlalnepantla, Mexico, he began his career with Club América, where his strong tackling, composure, and leadership quickly made him a standout. In 2019, he moved to Europe to join Dutch giants Ajax, contributing to their domestic successes and earning a reputation as a reliable, hard-working presence in midfield. Álvarez has also been an integral part of the Mexican national team, featuring in multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup. In 2023, he signed with Premier League side West Ham United, further cementing his status as one of Mexico’s top football exports.

Raúl Jiménez is a Mexican professional footballer renowned for his skill, aerial ability, and clinical finishing as a striker. Born on May 5, 1991, in Tepeji del Río, Hidalgo, Mexico, he began his career with Club América, helping the team to a Liga MX title before moving to Europe with Atlético Madrid and later Benfica, where he continued to develop his game. Jiménez rose to international prominence after joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018, becoming one of the Premier League’s most consistent forwards and a fan favorite for his work rate and goal-scoring prowess. Despite a serious head injury in 2020, he made a determined comeback, showcasing resilience and leadership both at club level and with the Mexican national team, where he has been a key figure in multiple CONCACAF tournaments and World Cups.

Raphinha, born Raphael Dias Belloli on December 14, 1996, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is a professional footballer celebrated for his flair, pace, and creativity as a winger. Starting his career in Brazil, he moved to Portugal to play for Vitória de Guimarães before making his mark at Sporting CP. His breakthrough in Europe came with French side Rennes, which earned him a move to the Premier League with Leeds United in 2020, where his dazzling dribbles and decisive contributions quickly made him a standout performer. In 2022, Raphinha signed for FC Barcelona, fulfilling a lifelong dream and becoming an integral part of the squad with his direct attacking style and relentless work ethic. A Brazilian international, he has also represented his country in major tournaments, further establishing himself as one of the top wingers of his generation.

James Rodríguez, born on July 12, 1991, in Cúcuta, Colombia, is a professional footballer widely admired for his vision, creativity, and lethal left foot as an attacking midfielder. Rising to prominence with Porto and later AS Monaco, he became a global star at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer. His performances earned him a high-profile move to Real Madrid, where he won multiple titles, including two UEFA Champions League trophies, while showcasing his playmaking and long-range shooting ability. Rodríguez went on to feature for clubs such as Bayern Munich, Everton, and Al-Rayyan, while continuing to be a key figure for the Colombian national team, cementing his legacy as one of the most talented and influential players in his country’s history.

Diego Luna is an American professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer (MLS) and represents the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT). Born on September 7, 2003, in Sunnyvale, California, to Mexican immigrant parents, Luna was immersed in soccer from a young age, influenced by his father's professional indoor soccer background. He began his youth career at Palo Alto SC and later joined the San Jose Earthquakes academy. In 2018, he moved to the Barcelona Residency Academy in Arizona, affiliated with FC Barcelona. Luna's professional journey began with El Paso Locomotive in the USL Championship, where he made a significant impact before joining Real Monarchs and subsequently Real Salt Lake in 2022. In 2024, he was named MLS Young Player of the Year after contributing 20 goals (8 goals, 12 assists) in 31 matches. Internationally, Luna has represented the U.S. at various youth levels and made his senior debut in January 2024. He gained widespread recognition during the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, scoring three goals and providing key assists, including a memorable performance against Costa Rica where he returned to the field after sustaining a broken nose. Luna's resilience and skill have solidified his status as a promising talent in American soccer.