Club América benches youth striker Patricio Salas for season opener

Club América's new head coach Guillermo Almada omitted 21‑year‑old forward Patricio Salas from the matchday squad for the Apertura 2026 opening game, despite the player’s strong performances last season. Salas, a product of the club’s academy, scored five goals in the previous Liga MX campaign and was praised by statistical site Statiskics as one of the most effective Mexican attackers under 21. Fans had expected Almada, known for promoting home‑grown talent, to integrate Salas into the first team after the club’s limited foreign signings. The decision has sparked debate among supporters and raised questions for sporting director Santiago Bañosa about the squad’s tactical direction.

The club’s hierarchy has not provided a detailed explanation, leaving uncertainty over whether the young striker will feature in future fixtures or if further adjustments to the lineup will be made as the season progresses.