Some might argue that Alex Padilla is another name on the list of Pumas players sent to Europe... On paper, perhaps. But the reality is far deeper: Europe was bound to come calling for the goalkeeper sooner or later. He’s one of the most highly anticipated prospects among Mexico’s rising generation—a talent too promising to overlook.
After spending a half a season on loan with UNAM - a move that fell short of expectations, Padilla is heading back to where it all began: Bilbao in northern Spain, or to be more specific, Athletic Club. There, he’ll continue shaping his career within one of the world’s most prestigious goalkeeper academies—a place steeped in tradition and known internationally for developing elite talent between the posts.
Padilla’s heartfelt farewell
Though the 21-year-old’s time at Pumas was brief—just one tournament wearing the blue and gold—it didn’t go unnoticed. While performances may have been mixed, the sentiment among fans is shifting: social media buzz is painting the young goalkeeper in an increasingly positive light.
The club’s official farewell added to the warm send-off. In a rare move for Pumas, known for keeping farewells succinct, the team shared a long, heartfelt message that resonated across their fanbase:
“Thank you, Alex, for defending the blue and gold with grit, heart, and dedication. You leave with the love of the fans and this great university family. Remember: once a Puma, always a Puma. Wishing you great success in Europe, kid—may the wins keep coming.”
With the Apertura 2025 kicking off this Saturday, Pumas has a pressing issue: they still don’t have a starting goalkeeper.
Pumas desperately seeking a keeper
Academy graduate Pablo Lara suffered an injury during the recent Maurice Revello Tournament, leaving the team scrambling for options.
Negotiations with Newell’s Old Boys for legendary Costa Rican keeper Keylor Navas aren’t progressing smoothly and appear to be at a standstill.
David Ospina’s name is floating around, but no official talks have begun, and it’s unclear whether he’s a realistic target at this stage. The Colombian veteran has emerged as Pumas’ Plan B in the summer transfer window. But for now, everything suggests that Club Universidad Nacional is going all-in on their first-choice target: Keylor Navas.
The Costa Rican legend remains the priority, with the club seemingly determined to exhaust every option to bring him onboard before turning their attention to the former Arsenal standout. Ospina, respected and battle-tested, would be a solid alternative—but only if talks with Navas ultimately collapse.