Jesus Orozco Chiquete has become one of the most talked-about players during the winter transfer market within Mexican football, especially after his move from Chivas Guadalajara to Cruz Azul. After days of intense speculation, the young defender's transfer was finalized with Cruz Azul reportedly securing his services for approximately $11 million. The move aimed to bolster Cruz Azul's defense, particularly with the anticipation of Gonzalo Piovi departing the club.
Currently, Chiquete is recupering from chikungunya, which prevented him from joining the rest of the Chivas squad during the final days of his time with the team. Fans have expressed disappointment, as he was seen as a key player moving forward. Despite being one of the standout prospects from Chivas' youth academy at just 22 years old, his transition to Cruz Azul has not unfolded as many expected.
Since joining Cruz Azul, Chiquete has found himself unexpectedly relegated to the bench under interim coach Vicente Sánchez. This turn of events has surprised both supporters and analysts who anticipated he would instantly become integral to La Máquina’s defensive setup. With his speed and skill, he was expected to adapt quickly and assume a prominent role within the squad.
His current situation raises questions about his readiness and the club's expectations. What started as promising anticipation has shifted to uncertainty as fans speculate about whether Chiquete will manage to reclaim his spot on the field. Notably, some attribute his struggles to karma for leaving Chivas, which has introduced complexity to his narrative within the football community.
Meanwhile, Chivas has faced its share of defensive challenges after parting ways with Chiquete. The team has recorded poor performances, ranking as the sixth-worst defense by the start of the Clausura 2025. Chivas desperately missed Chiquete’s presence on the field, especially considering they failed to invest the gains from his transfer effectively. Instead of seeking out another player with comparable skills, they turned to 28-year-old Miguel Tapias, whose past exploits and modest acquisition cost—around $997,000—did not inspire confidence among the fan base.
While Tapias has taken Chiquete’s place, results have not improved, and critics have pointed out systematic issues within the Chivas defense. Historical comparisons highlight how the team's performance has deteriorated without Chiquete; last season, they ended as one of the top defenses, which makes current stats all the more alarming.
Chiquete’s former partnerships with defenders such as Gilberto ‘Tiba’ Sepúlveda had solidified him as part of Chivas' core defensive unit. Alas, his exit has left the club scrambling to fill the void during the current season. Regular fans express their discontent, often lamenting about how the club has not replaced him adequately.
For Chiquete, the road forward involves overcoming his recent setbacks and showcasing the talent he exhibited at Chivas. His family and fans understand his need for growth, and they remain hopeful he will adapt to Cruz Azul’s style of play. If he can wrestle back his ambition on the pitch, he could solidify his place as one of Mexico’s top defenders.
The coming weeks will prove pivotal for both Chiquete and Cruz Azul. With upcoming fixtures series, he has the chance to train, recover, and potentially earn playing time as he fights against his current hurdles. His ability to rise up from this situation will likely define his career opportunities going forward, particularly with dreams of one day playing football in Europe still alive.
Despite the turmoil and hardship currently facing Jesús Orozco Chiquete, the young defender has proven he possesses the skills and determination necessary to succeed. With hard work and perseverance, the hopes of reestablishing his career take the center stage as both Chiquete and Cruz Azul navigate through this transitional phase of the season.