Enner Valencia continues career in Mexico and leads Ecuador to the 2026 World Cup. Enner Valencia, Ecuador's all-time top scorer, has joined the Mexican club Pachuca. The forward keeps his spot on the national team and is preparing for his third World Cup. His experience and scoring ability remain crucial for Ecuador.
Enner Valencia, who turned 36 this year, is not ending his professional career and remains in the spotlight of the football community. The Ecuadorian national team striker signed a contract with the Mexican club Pachuca, where he has already played 22 matches and scored 8 goals. Valencia continues to play a leading role in the national team and is preparing for his third World Cup — the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Over the years, Valencia has become Ecuador's all-time top scorer, with 49 goals in 105 matches. He is also the country's leading scorer at the World Cup, with six goals in the finals. Valencia participated in the 2014 and 2022 World Cups and has also played in five editions of the Copa América.
Valencia's club career spans several countries and leagues. In Europe, he played for West Ham United and Everton in the English Premier League before moving to the Mexican team Tigres UANL. After that, the forward went to Turkey, where he played for Fenerbahce, and then spent two seasons with Brazil's Internacional. In 2025, Valencia returned to Mexico, choosing Pachuca as the new stage of his career.
The stability and effectiveness of Valencia make him stand out among other players of the Ecuador national team. Despite his age, he remains a key figure in attack and continues to benefit the team. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, interest in veteran national team players has noticeably increased: similar stories can be seen in other countries as well, such as when Portuguese midfielder Andreia Jacinto signed a long-term contract with Real Madrid, which also became a notable event on the transfer market (details on Jacinto's transfer).
For reference: Pachuca is one of the oldest and most decorated clubs in Mexico, regularly participating in international tournaments. Ecuador's national team has traditionally been considered a strong contender in the South American qualifiers, and Valencia is its main symbol in recent years. His experience and leadership qualities could play a decisive role for the team at the upcoming World Cup.
