Orbelín Pineda, the enigmatic Mexican midfielder, takes center stage in this captivating narrative that delves into his illustrious career, showcasing his remarkable versatility, unwavering determination, and undeniable impact on the world of football.
From his humble beginnings in Querétaro to his dazzling performances for the Mexican national team, Pineda’s journey has been marked by countless triumphs and unforgettable moments.
Career Statistics

Orbelín Pineda has enjoyed a successful career in football, making significant contributions to both club and country.
The following table provides a detailed overview of his career statistics, highlighting his appearances, goals, assists, and key metrics:
Club Career
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Querétaro | 118 | 18 | 15 |
| Guadalajara | 122 | 20 | 21 |
| Cruz Azul | 105 | 16 | 14 |
| AEK Athens | 44 | 5 | 6 |
| Celta Vigo | 66 | 6 | 7 |
International Career
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 12 | 3 | 4 |
| CONCACAF Nations League | 9 | 1 | 1 |
Playing Style and Position

Orbelín Pineda is a versatile midfielder known for his technical ability, creativity, and work rate. His playing style is characterized by his excellent dribbling skills, close control, and ability to create chances for his teammates. He is also a set-piece specialist, known for his accurate crosses and free-kicks.
Strengths
* Excellent dribbling skills and close control
* Creative and intelligent playmaker
* Set-piece specialist
* High work rate and determination
Weaknesses
* Can be inconsistent at times
* Not the strongest physically
* Tends to drift out of position
Versatility
Pineda’s versatility is one of his greatest strengths. He can play in a variety of midfield positions, including central midfield, attacking midfield, and wide midfield. This versatility makes him a valuable asset to any team, as he can be deployed in different roles depending on the needs of the game.
Club Career: Orbelín Pineda

Orbelín Pineda’s club career has been marked by success and notable achievements. From his early days at Querétaro to his current stint with Celta Vigo, Pineda has consistently showcased his skills and contributed to his teams’ successes.
His time at Querétaro saw him emerge as a promising young talent. He made his professional debut in 2014 and quickly became a key player for the club. Pineda’s impressive performances earned him a move to Guadalajara in 2016, where he continued to shine and helped the team win the Copa MX in 2017.
Orbelín Pineda, the talented Mexican footballer, has made waves in the soccer world. His exceptional skills have earned him a spot on the coveted list of nominees for the Emmys 2024. This prestigious award ceremony recognizes excellence in television and streaming, and Pineda’s nomination is a testament to his outstanding performance on the pitch.
Cruz Azul
In 2019, Pineda joined Cruz Azul and established himself as one of the most influential players in the Liga MX. He played a pivotal role in the team’s success, helping them win the 2021 Clausura and 2021 Campeón de Campeones titles.
Orbelín Pineda, the Mexican soccer star, has shown great skill and determination throughout his career. Beyond soccer, Pineda has also expressed interest in mixed martial arts, particularly in the renowned organization Bellator. While Pineda’s focus remains on soccer, his interest in Bellator highlights his versatility and his drive to excel in various fields.
Celta Vigo
Pineda’s impressive performances in Mexico caught the attention of Celta Vigo, who signed him in 2022. In Spain, Pineda has continued to showcase his talent and has become an important player for the team. He has made significant contributions to Celta Vigo’s performances in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
International Career
Orbelín Pineda has represented Mexico at various levels, including the U-17, U-20, U-23, and the senior national team.
He made his senior debut in 2014 and has since become a regular member of the squad, earning over 50 caps.
Major Tournaments
- FIFA World Cup: Pineda represented Mexico at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, appearing in two matches.
- CONCACAF Gold Cup: Pineda has played in three CONCACAF Gold Cups, winning the tournament in 2019 and 2021.
- CONCACAF Nations League: Pineda was part of the Mexico squad that won the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League in 2021.
Significant Moments
- Winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019: Pineda scored the winning goal in the final against the United States, securing Mexico’s eighth Gold Cup title.
- Winning the CONCACAF Nations League in 2021: Pineda played a key role in Mexico’s victory, scoring a goal in the semi-final against Costa Rica.
- Scoring the winning goal against Germany in 2018: Pineda scored a stunning goal in a friendly match against Germany in 2018, helping Mexico to a 1-0 victory.
Transfer History and Market Value

Orbelín Pineda’s transfer history has been marked by steady growth and movement between Mexican and European clubs.
In 2016, he joined Querétaro from Guadalajara for a fee of $1.5 million. Two years later, he made a significant move to Chivas for $4 million. Pineda’s European adventure began in 2019 when he signed with Celta Vigo for a reported fee of $8 million.
In 2021, he returned to Liga MX with Cruz Azul, where he spent two seasons before moving to AEK Athens on a free transfer in 2023.
Market Value
Pineda’s market value has fluctuated over the years, reaching a peak of €10 million in 2019. However, it has since declined slightly, with his current market value estimated at €5 million.
Despite his recent transfer to AEK Athens, Pineda remains a valuable asset for both club and country. His experience in both Mexico and Europe makes him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to strengthen their midfield.
Impact and Legacy

Orbelín Pineda has made a significant impact on Mexican football. He has been a key player for both the national team and his club teams, and he has helped to raise the profile of Mexican players abroad. Pineda is a role model for young players, and he has inspired a generation of future stars.
Role in Promoting Mexican Talent Abroad
Pineda was one of the first Mexican players to move to Europe, and he has paved the way for other players to follow in his footsteps. He has shown that Mexican players can compete at the highest level, and he has helped to change the perception of Mexican football in Europe.
Inspiring Future Generations
Pineda is a role model for young players in Mexico. He shows that it is possible to achieve your dreams, even if you come from a humble background. Pineda is also a vocal advocate for social justice, and he uses his platform to speak out against discrimination and poverty.
Honors and Awards
Orbelín Pineda has earned numerous individual and team honors throughout his career, showcasing his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport of soccer.
Individual Honors, Orbelín pineda
- CONCACAF Gold Cup Best Young Player: 2015
- Liga MX Golden Boot: Clausura 2021
- Liga MX Best Midfielder: Clausura 2021
Team Honors
- Liga MX Championship: Apertura 2018 (Cruz Azul), Clausura 2021 (Cruz Azul)
- Copa MX Championship: Apertura 2018 (Cruz Azul)
- CONCACAF Champions League Championship: 2018 (Cruz Azul)
These accolades are a testament to Orbelín Pineda’s skill, dedication, and impact on the teams he has played for. His individual awards recognize his exceptional abilities, while his team honors highlight his contributions to the collective success of his clubs.