Enrique Esqueda

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Enrique Esqueda

| image = Esqueda East Bengal.jpg

| caption = Esqueda with East Bengal in 2019

| fullname = Enrique Alejandro Esqueda Tirado

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1988|4|19}}

| birth_place = Querétaro, Mexico

| currentclub =

| clubnumber =

| height = 1.80 m

| position = Striker

| years1 = 2005–2011

| years2 = 2011–2014

| years3 = 2014

| years4 = 2015

| years5 = 2016

| years6 = 2017

| years7 = 2017

| years8 = 2018

| years9 = 2018–2019

| clubs1 = América

| clubs2 = Pachuca

| clubs3 = → Atlas (loan)

| clubs4 = Tigres UANL

| clubs5 = Veracruz

| clubs6 = Juárez

| clubs7 = Chiapas

| clubs8 = Arka Gdynia

| clubs9 = East Bengal

| caps1 = 107

| caps2 = 36

| caps3 = 16

| caps4 = 18

| caps5 = 6

| caps6 = 0

| caps7 = 5

| caps8 = 8

| caps9 = 14

| goals1 = 15

| goals2 = 9

| goals3 = 3

| goals4 = 2

| goals5 = 1

| goals6 = 0

| goals7 = 0

| goals8 = 2

| goals9 = 9

| totalcaps = 210

| totalgoals = 41

| nationalyears1 = 2005

| nationalteam1 = Mexico U17

| nationalcaps1 = 2

| nationalgoals1 = 2

| nationalyears2 = 2007

| nationalteam2 = Mexico U20

| nationalcaps2 = 2

| nationalgoals2 = 1

| nationalyears3 = 2007

| nationalteam3 = Mexico U23

| nationalcaps3 = 12

| nationalgoals3 = 5

| nationalyears4 = 2007–2015

| nationalteam4 = Mexico

| nationalcaps4 = 9

| nationalgoals4 = 1

| manageryears1 = 2021

| managerclubs1 = Cañada CTM (assistant)

| manageryears2= 2024

| managerclubs2= Peluche Caligari (AQL)

| manageryears3= 2024

| managerclubs3= Peluche Caligari (AKL)

| medaltemplates =

{{MedalCountry|{{MEX}}}}

}}

Enrique Alejandro Esqueda Tirado (born 19 April 1988) is a Mexican former professional footballer who played as a striker. He represented Mexico at the 2015 Copa América. He is popularly known by his nickname "Paleta".

Club career

=América=

At club level, he made his debut for América on 4 February 2006 against Atlas. His debut in an international tournament came in 2007, when América participated in the Copa Sudamericana, where they finished runner-up. In 2009, América participated in the World Football Challenge, where he scored in the 2–1 win against AC Milan. In 2011, Esqueda scored against European powerhouses Manchester City in a 1–1 draw and against Real Madrid in a 2–3 loss.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

=Pachuca, Atlas, Tigres UANL, Veracruz and Chiapas=

On 23 May 2011, he was transferred to C.F. Pachuca. After several years of injuries and ups and downs with Pachuca, he was loaned to Atlas in 2014. Under the command of Tomás Boy, Esqueda scored three goals with Atlas in the season. On 2015, he was loaned again to Tigres UANL. With Tigres, he scored a hat-trick in the Copa Libertadores 2015 victory of 5–4 over Juan Aurich on 15 April 2015. He also scored the last goal of the 3–0 victory in the Clásico Regiomontano against arch-rivals C.F. Monterrey on 18 April, as well as Tigres' first goal in the 2–1 victory over Bolivian side Club Universitario in the round of 16 of the 2015 Copa Libertadores.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

After winning his first Liga MX with Tigres UANL as a reserve player,{{Cite web|url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/mexico/cronicas/2015/12/13/tigres-campeon-incomparable-levanto-la-cuarta_66175|title=Tigres, Campeón incomparable... Levantó la cuarta|date=14 December 2015 |access-date=17 February 2017|archive-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721043928/http://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/mexico/cronicas/2015/12/13/tigres-campeon-incomparable-levanto-la-cuarta_66175|url-status=live}} Esqueda was loaned out to Veracruz where he had a discreet stint.{{Cite web|url=http://www.multimedios.com/deportes/futbol/veracruz/veracruz-decepcionados-esqueda.html|title=Veracruz, decepcionados con la contratación de Esqueda|date=12 April 2016|access-date=17 February 2017|archive-date=18 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218063856/http://www.multimedios.com/deportes/futbol/veracruz/veracruz-decepcionados-esqueda.html|url-status=live}} In July 2016, Esqueda was loaned out to second division team FC Juárez a move which Esqueda refused to comply with.{{Cite web|url=http://diario.mx/Deportes/2016-06-18_e3acfa92/que-siempre-no/|title=Que siempre no|access-date=17 February 2017|archive-date=18 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218064147/http://diario.mx/Deportes/2016-06-18_e3acfa92/que-siempre-no/|url-status=live}} After an inactive fall 2016 semester, Esqueda was loaned out to Chiapas F.C.{{Cite web|url=http://www.univision.com/deportes/futbol/liga-mx/enrique-esqueda-continuaria-su-carrera-con-jaguares-de-chiapas|title=Enrique Esqueda continuaría su carrera con Jaguares de Chiapas|access-date=17 February 2017|archive-date=18 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218072315/http://www.univision.com/deportes/futbol/liga-mx/enrique-esqueda-continuaria-su-carrera-con-jaguares-de-chiapas|url-status=live}} His resentment for Tigres UANL is apparent as he has publicly desecrated the Tigres UANL crest on television.{{Cite web|url=http://laaficion.milenio.com/futbol/enrique_esqueda-paleta-pisotea-escudo-tigres-milenio-la_aficion_0_899310162.html|title=Enrique Esqueda pisotea el escudo de Tigres|access-date=17 February 2017|archive-date=18 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218063842/http://laaficion.milenio.com/futbol/enrique_esqueda-paleta-pisotea-escudo-tigres-milenio-la_aficion_0_899310162.html|url-status=live}}

After the disaffiliation of Chiapas F.C., Esqueda became a free agent.{{Cite web|url=http://www.excelsior.com.mx/adrenalina/2017/06/27/1172228|title=¡Se busca equipo!; desempleados de Jaguares, con pocas opciones|date=27 June 2017|access-date=14 August 2017|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801115317/http://www.excelsior.com.mx/adrenalina/2017/06/27/1172228|url-status=live}}

=Arka Gdynia=

On 20 January 2018, Esqueda began trials with Ekstraklasa club Arka Gdynia. On 22 January, he made his unofficial debut with the Polish side in a friendly against Romanian side Botoșani, and scored opening goal in a 2–0 win, making Esqueda the 1st Mexican to score for any team in Poland. On 6 February, he signed a contract valid for the rest of 2017–18 season, with an extension option.{{Cite web|url=http://www.arka.gdynia.pl/news,18661-enrique-esqueda-w-arce.html|title=Arka Gdynia S.A. Oficjalny Serwis Internetowy - Enrique Esqueda w Arce|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207122345/http://www.arka.gdynia.pl/news,18661-enrique-esqueda-w-arce.html|url-status=live}}

=East Bengal=

On 20 August 2018, free agent Esqueda joined Indian I-League club East Bengal for the upcoming season.{{cite web |author1=Krishanu Mazumdar |title=ডার্বির আগে ইস্টবঙ্গলে বড় চমক। মেক্সিকান স্ট্রাইকারকে সই করালো লাল-হলুদ |trans-title=Big surprise ahead of derby. Mexican striker joins the Red and Gold |url=https://ebela.in/sports/enrique-esqueda-is-going-to-play-for-east-bengal-dgtl-1.856127 |publisher=Ebela |access-date=28 September 2018 |language=bn |date=20 August 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928201145/https://ebela.in/sports/enrique-esqueda-is-going-to-play-for-east-bengal-dgtl-1.856127 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author1=Swapnaneel Parasar |title=I-League: East Bengal sign Enrique Esqueda |url=http://www.goal.com/en-in/news/east-bengal-sign-enrique-esqueda-mexico-striker/mr7dd21rtvml10atiuz5votre |publisher=Goal |access-date=28 September 2018 |date=20 August 2018 |archive-date=29 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000157/http://www.goal.com/en-in/news/east-bengal-sign-enrique-esqueda-mexico-striker/mr7dd21rtvml10atiuz5votre |url-status=live }} On 27 October, he made his debut, scoring a brace in a 2–0 victory over NEROCA.{{cite web |title=Enrique Esqueda double helps East Bengal beat Neroca FC |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/enrique-esqueda-double-helps-east-bengal-beat-neroca-fc/story-tPrB1PjLH3t1KmX20SWkPJ.html |publisher=Hindustan Times |access-date=1 November 2018 |date=27 October 2018 |archive-date=7 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107024851/https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/enrique-esqueda-double-helps-east-bengal-beat-neroca-fc/story-tPrB1PjLH3t1KmX20SWkPJ.html |url-status=live }} He went onto score 9 goals in 14 matches as East Bengal finished 2nd in the I-League, with 3 assists and 3 Man of the Match awards.{{cite news |title=Chennai City Crowned I-League 2018-19 Champions After Win Against Minerva Punjab |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/football/chennai-city-crowned-i-league-2018-19-champions-after-win-against-minerva-punjab-2005254 |access-date=27 June 2020 |work=Press Trust of India (PTI) |publisher=NDTV |date=9 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627200614/https://sports.ndtv.com/football/chennai-city-crowned-i-league-2018-19-champions-after-win-against-minerva-punjab-2005254|archive-date=27 June 2020|url-status=live}} He finished as the highest goal getter for East Bengal along with teammate Joby Justin in the 2018–19 I-League season. On 10 March 2019, Enrique was released from his contract.

International career

Esqueda was a part of the U-17 world champion team in Peru in 2005. He was also part of the U-20 team that represented Mexico at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, but was cut from the team at the last minute. He formed part of the U-23 team that was to represent Mexico at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He helped Mexico achieve a bronze medal, with him scoring four goals, becoming one of the top scorers of the tournament.

He was called up by the Mexico national team for a game against El Salvador. He scored his first goal on 14 October 2009 against Trinidad & Tobago in a 2–2 draw.

His most recent appearance was on 3 June 2015 in a friendly against Peru. He was part of the 2015 Copa America roster, however he did not make any appearances during the tournament.

=International goals=

| 1. || 14 October 2009 || Hasley Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago || {{fb|TRI}} || 1–1 || 2–2 || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

=International appearances=

As of 12 October 2010

colspan="7"\|International appearances
class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="font-size:90%"
#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Result	Competition
1.	22 August 2007	Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, United States	{{fb\|COL}}	0–1	Friendly
2.	24 September 2008	Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, United States	{{fb\|CHI}}	0–1	Friendly
3.	30 September 2009	Cotton Bowl, Dallas, United States	{{fb\|COL}}	1–2	Friendly
4.	14 October 2009	Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago	{{fb\|TRI}}	2–2	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
5.	11 August 2010	Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico	{{fb\|ESP}}	1–1	Friendly
6.	4 September 2010	Estadio Omnilife, Zapopan, Mexico	{{fb\|ECU}}	1–2	Friendly
7.	7 September 2010	Estadio Universitario, San Nicolás, Mexico	{{fb\|COL}}	1–0	Friendly
8.	12 October 2010	Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico	{{fb\|VEN}}	2–2	Friendly
9.	3 June 2015	Estadio Nacional de Lima, Lima, Peru	{{fb\|PER}}	1–1	Friendly

Honours

América

InterLiga: 2008

East Bengal

I-League: Runner-up 2018–19

Tigres UANL

Liga MX: Apertura 2015

Mexico U-17

FIFA U-17 World Championship: 2005
Pan American Games: Bronze medal 2007

References

External links

[http://www.pasionaguila.com Pasionaguila] Blog y Noticias al minutos del Club America
[https://web.archive.org/web/20081112045238/http://www.golst.com/players/v/Enrique_Esqueda/12300 Enrique Esqueda's stats]
{{Medio Tiempo|enrique-esqueda}}
{{NFT player|pid=23307}}
[http://www.esmas.com/clubamerica/nuestroequipo/649992.html Esqueda profile at America's official site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328095354/http://www.esmas.com/clubamerica/nuestroequipo/649992.html |date=2008-03-28 }} {{in lang|es}}

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Querétaro

Category:Sportspeople from Querétaro City

Category:Men's association football wingers

Category:Mexican men's footballers

Category:Mexico men's international footballers

Category:Footballers at the 2007 Pan American Games

Category:2015 Copa América players

Category:Pan American Games bronze medalists for Mexico

Category:Pan American Games medalists in football

Category:Club América footballers