Salomón Rondón Lead Pachuca in His Second Youth
“We’re here to fight anyone,” said Rondón in an interview, referring to Pachuca, which enters the final as the underdog, as long as Madrid doesn’t fall into the trap of underestimating them.
At 35 years old, Venezuelan striker Salomón Rondón, a player for Tuzos del Pachuca, will aim this Wednesday, in the Intercontinental Cup final, for a miracle against Real Madrid to crown his second youth as a footballer, built on goals.
With 26 goals, five assists, and three titles, the forward has recorded the best numbers of his professional career in 2025, which earned him a nomination in the first phase of FIFA’s ‘The Best’ award. This prestigious recognition places him alongside the world’s best forwards, such as Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Vinícius Jr..
A Reinvention Built on Discipline
Top scorer in the Mexican Clausura and the Concacaf Champions League, as well as the leader of the Venezuelan national team, Salomón Rondón has proven that hard work and body care are key to staying competitive.
“I’ve monitored my diet and rest, trained hard, and applied the so-called invisible training; I’ve been rewarded for my good habits. I landed on the right foot at Pachuca, and the team has all its energy focused on the Intercontinental Cup,” he emphasized.
With previous experience in LaLiga in Spain, and leagues in Russia, England, China, and Argentina, Rondón joined Pachuca this year, finding a favorable environment to attempt a second life as a professional.
This Wednesday, with little to lose against one of the biggest clubs in the world, Rondón will look to team up with Dutch-Moroccan Oussama Idrissi to try to breach Real Madrid’s defense.
Under the guidance of Uruguayan coach Guillermo Almada, Pachuca arrives at the final motivated after a 3-0 victory over Brazilian side Botafogo, the Copa Libertadores champion, and a penalty shootout win against Egyptian team Al-Ahly, the African champion.
The Miracle of Athletic Longevity
Rondón’s vitality challenges theories about the aging of the human body. With two consecutive years at an elite level and a recovery capacity that many young players would envy, the forward has been pivotal for both Pachuca and the Venezuelan national team.
“My hunger to win is still there. You have to give your best and not live off what you’ve done before,” said Rondón, confident in closing this Wednesday the best year of his career and seeking the greatest miracle in Tuzos history.
