In Bilbao, where Athletic Club’s Lezama academy remains central to the club’s identity, goalkeeper Álex Padilla has received a Mexico call-up despite not yet playing a competitive LaLiga minute this season. His work on the training ground has nevertheless convinced Rafael Márquez’s national-team staff, and Athletic coach Edin Terzić believes the opportunity is fully earned.
Padilla’s route from Lezama to Mexico
- Padilla built his case during Athletic’s pre-season, impressing after a strong summer programme with the first-team group.
- Although he has not appeared in LaLiga during the current campaign, the young goalkeeper has maintained his level through daily work at Lezama.
- Mexico have selected him for the forthcoming international window, handing him the chance to join Márquez’s senior squad.
- Terzić welcomed the call-up and said the keeper’s progress and commitment made him a deserving choice.
The German-Croatian coach said Padilla’s selection reflected both his development and the standard he has brought to Athletic training. “It is a good selection and it shows that he is improving very well,” Terzić said. “The special point is that he has not played in the league so far, but he had a very good pre-season with us. He works extremely hard and competes in every training session.”
A valued member of Athletic’s group
For Terzić, the international recognition is welcome, but Padilla’s value in Bilbao is defined above all by his reliability within the squad. The coach stressed that he can depend on the goalkeeper each day, regardless of his lack of official match appearances.
“I believe he deserves this call-up and we wish him the best,” Terzić said. “The most important thing for me as a coach is that I can count on him, and he demonstrates that in every session.”
Terzić’s final message was unequivocal: “It is an honour for him to go; he deserves it. I love having players like him in the team.”
Padilla will now report to Mexico during the FIFA window, carrying the backing of his club coach as he looks to establish himself within the national-team goalkeeper group.
