CHICAGO – Alejandro Zendejas has committed to represent the U.S. national team instead of Mexico.

The 25-year-old attacker made his debut for the U.S. in the friendly against Serbia on Jan. 25, but could still request a change in affiliation to play for El Tri.

Zendejas started three games for the U.S. at the 2015 U17 World Cup, where he partnered Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams. He played for Mexico in friendlies against Ecuador in October 2021 and Guatemala last April, in addition to three matches with the Mexican U23 national team.

FIFA ruled that Mexico forfeited over the table the five friendlies and added a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,900) for fielding Zendejas while affiliated with the United States.

“I am very proud to be Mexican-American. The values of both cultures have made me the person I am today and I have had the privilege of living in both countries,” Zendejas said in a message he posted on his Instagram stories on Tuesday. “I am very grateful for all the opportunities that the United States and Mexico have given me and my family.”

“Making a decision about my international career is very difficult, and I believe you must follow your heart. Mine tells me that my future is representing the United States,” he added. I am very excited about this next chapter and working to earn a spot with the U.S. national team. Thank you all for your incredible support.

Zendejas came up through the youth academy of MLS’s FC Dallas, which had him as a native of El Paso, Texas. He made his U.S. league debut against Houston on May 1, 2015, transferred to Chivas of Mexico in June 2016 and then was loaned to Zacatepec in June 2017. Zendejas was transferred to Necaxa in June 2020 and to América in January 2022.

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