José Antonio Paradela is quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising footballers in the Liga MX with Club Necaxa. The Argentine midfielder, born on December 15, 1998, has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike with his outstanding performances. His career, marked significantly by the guidance of football legend Diego Armando Maradona, has played a pivotal role in his development.
Paradela began his professional career at Club Rivadavia de Lincoln in 2016, where his skills shone brightly enough to earn him advancement to the Torneo Federal A. His impressive play led him to Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata two years later. It was there, under the watchful eye of Maradona, where Paradela truly began to make his mark. During their time together, Maradona recognized his potential and publicly praised him, stating, "It's good seriously. I had him all afternoon facing against two others..."
After garnering attention at Gimnasia, Paradela's career took a significant turn. River Plate acquired 75% of his rights for $2.8 million, placing him alongside notable teammates such as Julián Álvarez. Despite this, Paradela sought more playing time and was loaned out to Club Tigre before making his way to Necaxa in January 2024.
Since joining Necaxa, Paradela's impact has been immediate and substantial. During the Clausura 2025 season, he has played eight matches as a starter, accumulating 702 minutes on the field, netting three goals, and providing three assists. His vision and playmaking ability have proven instrumental to Necaxa's success, currently positioning them fourth on the league table.
Paradela's relationship with Maradona extends beyond typical player-coach dynamics. Maradona not only instilled confidence within Paradela on the pitch but also served as an important mentor. His public endorsement has boosted Paradela’s stature, capturing the interest of international clubs, including Italy’s Napoli, where Maradona famously left his mark.
Even though the transfer to European football did not materialize at the time, the encouragement from Maradona has been fundamental to Paradela's career progression. Today, his exceptional ability to connect plays and distribute effectively has made him integral to Necaxa's tactical plans. His experience has also helped guide younger players on the team, building a competitive atmosphere.
José Paradela’s rise has been remarkable. From his early days on the fields of Argentina to shining brightly on Mexican soil, he embodies the potential for broader recognition. With the endorsements of Maradona as his foundation, he continues to showcase his talent, proving himself as one of the rising stars in Liga MX.