March, 2024
By Nelly Mercado Salas, Editor-in-Chief
After the humiliating performance of the Mexican National Team in the CONCACAF Nations League final, we as fans need to remember the passion that is felt in Mexican soccer.
I have interviewed two Tigres UANL super fans, my father and cousin, to understand what it feels like to be a true fan.
Roberto Mercado was born with yellow and blue blood. “I have been a Tigres fan since I was in the womb. So pretty much 24+ years.” His father, a die-hard Tigres fan, made sure to raise his son with the team’s anthems and chants. He loves everything about Tigres: their playing style, their players, their history, and their fans “What I like the most about Tigres is the fan base; they bring so much energy and passion when they play. I love the players on the team because they play every game like it’s their last.”
Like most dedicated fans, Roberto has sat at the edge of his seat, nervous about the outcome of the game and worried that if he doesn’t concentrate, he may miss a goal. “The most exciting moment I’ve experienced as a fan was watching their finals in 2016, when it went into extra time and penalties. I remember being super nervous and energetic the whole game, thankfully, Tigres won, and I was able to celebrate with my family in Texas.” Roberto grew up watching Tigres’ games with his family, cheering for every goal, suffering for every loss, and celebrating every victory. “I continue to see a bright future for the Tigres team. I can see them winning more championships and building a bigger name for themselves.”
“To convince someone to love Tigres, you need to see them play a game and hear the fans cheering and singing. You can feel the energy in the stadium, and everyone is singing with a passion for those yellow and blue jerseys. Once you become a fan, there’s no going back. You will fall in love with the team in the good and the bad.” Roberto says.
Jose Mercado was a teenager when his blood turned yellow and blue during his stay in the home city of Tigres, Monterrey, Mexico. “I have been a Tigres fan since ’97. I was around 15 years old, and the reason I became a Tigres supporter was the passion that existed in Monterrey. The love shown for that team was undeniable. Without a doubt, their fan base is wild and passionate, and they truly enjoy the game.”
As a die-hard fan, Jose goes to every Tigres game, whether it’s in Austin or far away. “I’ve experienced many moments watching them live in Houston, Frisco, and here in Austin, as well as on television during their championship matches.” It’s common for him to stress out as if he were the coach, yelling at the TV to switch a player.
He has never lost his love for Tigres, and he says he never will. “I believe Tigres will solidify its position as one of the best teams in Mexico. They have strong sponsorships and a solid structure to become an important team in Mexican football.” Furthermore, he invites others to experience this enthusiasm firsthand, saying, “If you take someone to a match, they’ll witness the excitement and see the qualities that Tigres possess: investing in top players, playing excellent football, and aiming for greatness.”
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