By: C.I. Sanchez
It is quite easy to stay in touch with footballers because these days many of them announce their daily plans, thoughts, sentiments, jokes, and whatever it is that is on their minds to the world. Twitter, a social media tool that is akin to sending a text to not one or two friends but to thousands, has provided this open platform.
The 140-character limit “tweets” have intensified the relationships between players and fans by creating real-time conversations. This powerful movement is changing the intensity of the game because now players have a voice—along with the fans, the clubs, and the football pundits.
Moreover, this movement is not just centered on players in the top European clubs; many Mexican footballers have opened Twitter accounts and actively use the service. Of course, giving players their own “megaphone” has its advantages and disadvantages.
One can look to someone like Cristiano Ronaldo to see the power of social media. Ronaldo has amassed over 2.5 million followers on Twitter! He can manage and dictate whatever message he wants to get out to his fans. Yet there have been unfortunate disadvantages.
During England’s international friendly with Ghana, West Ham’s Carlton Cole tweeted an offensive comment about the visiting team; the English FA fined him for his lack of judgement. Thankfully, the Primera Division players on Twitter have used the social media service in constructive ways and have thus far avoided any controversy.
For the development and expansion of the league, it will be wonderful to see Mexico's Primera Division gain more fans and publicity via Twitter. Players have the opportunity to develop their voice, their brand. Fans have the opportunity to get to know the players, to ask questions, to reply to questions. It is a phenomenon that is quickly becoming popular amongst all involved in football.
Want to know what is Fernando Arce’s dream concert? Care to see some photos of Guillermo Ochoa’s charity works for Club America? Dying to ask Cruz Azul’s Javier Aquino a question? Well then head on over to Twitter and find out. (By the way, the Santos Laguna midfielder has a dream Shakira concert in mind but do not tell Gerard Pique!)
Listed below is a notable yet partial list of Primera Division players with Twitter accounts. Although many are not verified, they all appear to be official accounts (i.e. not fan accounts). There is no need to follow all of them but definitely take time to find some favorite players and join the conversation!
Pumas UNAM
Martin Bravo @Tinbravo10
Erick Vera @erik_vera59
Jehu Chiapas @Jehuu
Fernando Morales @Zurdo_Morales
UANL Tigres
Enrique Palos @enrikepalos
Cirilo Saucedo @cirilo_saucedo
Carlos Ochoa Mendoza @carlosochoam
Morelia
Joao Rojas Mendoza @joaorrm11
Aldo Leao Ramirez @Aldoleao81
Guadalajara
Victor Hugo Hernandez @Chivashugohdez
Omar Arellano @lepina279
Marco Fabian @markofabian8
Luis Ernesto Michel @luisemichel
Cruz Azul
Javier Aquino @JavierAquino7
Martin Galvan @MartinGalvan29
Atlante
Diego Ordaz Alvarez @d_ordaz19
Fernando Navarro @FerNavarro07
Monterrey
Aldo De Nigris @9ADN9
Jonathan Orozco @jona_orozco
Jesus Arellano @Kbrito28
Juan de Dios Ibarra @jdibarrac
Humberto Suazo @humbertosuazop
Atlas
Lucas Emanuel Ayala @LucasAyala08
Alfredo Moreno @chango_moreno
Club America
Angel Eduardo Reyna @angelreyna18
Carlos Reinoso @carlosreinoso8
Guillermo Ochoa @yosoy8a
Toluca
Emmanuel Cerda @emmanuelcerda22
Miguel Centeno @macho121212
Santos Laguna
Fernando Arce @fernandoarce5
Oswaldo Sanchez @laaranaazteca
San Luis Potosi
No players on Twitter yet!
Puebla
Edgar Castillo @gringocastillo8
Jorge Zarate @jzarate28
Alex Alvarez @mostroland
Gabriel Pereyra @misticopereyra
Estudiantes Tecos
Ramon Morales @RamonMorales11
Pachuca
Fernando Cortes @nanditocortes88
Herculez Gomez @herculezg
Queretaro
No players on Twitter yet!
Necaxa
Luis Alberto Padilla @betopadilla04
Pierre Ibarra @pierreibarra
Chiapas
Edgar Andrade @edgar_andrade19
Jesus Chavez @chaveta_3
Oscar Razo @oscarrazo7
Marvin Cabrera @mcabrera14
