EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The mother of Alejandro “Alex” Zendejas, one of the two El Pasoans who will play for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the World Cup, spoke about how she felt when her son was called to join the team.
For Monica Zendejas, the moment her son “Alex” was officially selected to represent the U.S. was one she will never forget.
“We were very excited, we were very happy. We weren’t expecting it,” Monica Zendejas said. “It was all a surprise. We cried of happiness.”
Alex Zendejas, a standout winger for Club América in Mexico’s Liga MX, was officially named to the United States Men’s National Team’s 26-player World Cup roster, marking the first World Cup appearance of his career.
The Ciudad Juárez native, who was raised in the El Paso area, joins fellow El Paso native Ricardo Pepi in representing the Borderland on soccer’s biggest stage.
For Monica, the achievement is the fulfillment of a dream her son carried since childhood.
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“We thank God, because it was a dream that he had in his heart,” she said.
She recalls Alex’s passion for sports beginning at a young age.
“He started playing soccer when he was 5 years old. He always loved sports,” she said.
At just 13 years old, Alex left home for Dallas to pursue his dream of becoming a professional soccer player.
That decision would eventually lead him through the FC Dallas system and on to a successful professional career in Mexico, where he has become one of Club América’s top players.
This season, Zendejas recorded 12 goals and seven assists in 33 appearances for Club América, helping earn his place on the U.S. World Cup squad.
As the tournament approaches, Monica says it’s difficult to imagine the emotions she will feel when she sees her son walk onto the field wearing the United States jersey.
“I don’t know, I can’t imagine what I’ll feel when we see him walk out on the field with the USA uniform,” she said.
She credits her son’s work ethic and dedication for helping him reach the sport’s highest level.
“Alejandro is very disciplined. He loves what he does. He gets out on the field and loves what he does,” she said.
Beyond her family’s pride, Monica says the moment is significant for the entire Borderland region.
“We are very happy as a community that two players from El Paso and Ciudad Juárez will play at the World Cup,” she said.
She hopes Zendejas’ journey inspires the next generation of young athletes.
“There are many kids here in El Paso who can work for their dreams to play soccer,” she said.
Now, like many soccer fans across the Borderland, Monica and her family are preparing to cheer on Alex as he takes part in the biggest tournament in the world.
“We are ready to cheer him on and live this moment,” she said.
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