The Toros Neza that made history: what happened to Pony Ruiz, Mohamed, Bebeto and more

Mexican soccer has had the presence of teams with a long history and tradition. Although institutions such as América, Pumas, Chivas and Cruz Azul have monopolized the spotlight in the history of professional football, there have been ephemeral teams but of great importance due to their identity and appreciation among the fans. The Good Taurus is on that pedestal thanks to its roots in the State of Mexico, but also because of the persounds that gave life to his story.

There were dozens of players who were able to defend the shirt of the Mexican team in the Neza 86 Stadium. Although not all of them coincided at the same time, the squad included the presence of outstanding players for their talent or their witty personality and who participated in overwhelming and exciting victories or outrageous goals against.

Also know as The Jungle Gatekeeperand considered among the best Mexican goalkeepers, Larios Iwasaki disputed only a season with bulls (1998-99). It was in the year 1999 when he announced his retirement, although a series of family losses led him to deal with the cocaine addiction. In January 2019, he was hospitalized in an emergency due to an intestinal obstruction that led to respiratory arrest and his death at age 58.

Originally from Santa Fe, Argentina, he militated with those of Neza between 1996 and 1997although he defended other institutions such as Cruz Azul, as well as in Spain and Argentina, he stood out in the team that lost the final against Chivas de Guadalajara in the summer of 1997. His last institution was Sportivo Rivadavia, of Federal B of Argentina, where he remained after his retirement as coordinator of basic forces and headhunters until before the pandemic.

One of the most popular faces of the team is the Louse Herrera. In addition to being recognized for his participation in the runner-up in ’97, he was recognized for his untimely personality and the fights he led on the pitch. The man from Hidalgo dedicated himself to the technical direction after his retirement and after some failures he crowned with the Eagles of America. He currently directs the tigers from the UANL.

Memo Vazquez lived two stages with Neza between 1994 and 1998. Upon leaving the institution, he presented one more campaign with the Tuzos de Pachuca and announced his retirement in 1999. It was in 2006 when he returned to the first division of Mexico as a coach, although his greatest period of activity was between 2010 and 2021. Currently is not directing any institution.

Born in Chile, although naturalized Mexican, Rodrigo Ruiz He lived with the Bulls his third experience in a professional team. He stayed between 1996 and 1999, until he left for Club Santos Laguna, where he stood out with greater force. He retired in 2013, after playing matches in the Liga de Ascenso with the Tecos de la UAG. In his new stage he ventured as coach with Tecos, Lobos BUAP and, currently, the Irritilas FC of the third division.

One of the most controversial signings was that of Nidelson, who arrived with high expectations but was taken over by his taste for parties and alcohol. In 1993 he arrived in Mexico looking for a new opportunity in his career and he played for Toros Neza between 1996 and 1997. His first campaign was successful, although in his second semester his performance diminished. After his retirement in 2005 he returned to live in Brazil, although far from the luxuries that came to have.

The Turco Mohamed He was one of the foreigners who consolidated his career in Mexico. He remained in Nezahualcóyotl between 1993 and 1998 but, since then, he traveled through half a dozen teams until his retirement in 2003. Almost immediately he trained as a coach and began to walk his steps in a facet that has given him more satisfaction than as a player. His last experience was with the Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, in July 2022.

Another of the signings most remembered for his ephemeral passage is the Brazilian José Roberto Gama de Oliveira. Coming from Cruzeiro only played eight games and left the Mexican team to return to Botagofo in his homeland. He retired in 2002 and, according to various media, began a new stage in his life as a politician in the South American country.

Who already knew the coaching occupation was Enrique Meza. With 14 years of experience, he took the reins of the team and led him to play his only final in the summer of 1997. That was his last tournament with the Mexiquenses and he continued his career in the Toluca, where he was champion. One of his greatest achievements was directing the Mexican National Team and, although he is one of the most respected coaches in the country, at 74 years old does not have any equipment.

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