Real Madrid is on the verge of another trophy, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, contested between the champions of the six continents of the world. Standing in their way are Mexican side Pachuca and a familiar face to Premier League audiences like Salomón Rondón.
Rondón is now 35 years old, but his career is far from over. In fact, for the former West Brom, Newcastle and Everton striker it has been the most remarkable year of his life. Renewed in Mexico, the goals and trophies have been flowing quickly.
There have been 26 goals in total since he arrived at Pachuca in January, a club that, ironically, is noted for its youth development. Rondón was not only the top scorer of the Clausura Liga MX campaign but he was also the top scorer of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
A man-of-the-match performance in the final as Pachuca stunned Columbus Crew 3-0 in June’s final earned the Mexican club its place in a FIFA competition for the first time. And Rondón’s dream streak has continued in Qatar to prepare for the Madrid match.
The new Intercontinental Cup format pitted Pachuca against newly crowned South American champions Botafogo in a de facto quarterfinal in Doha. That match served as the Derby of the Americas with a trophy to boot. Pachuca earned a 3-0 victory.
Rondón scored the third, the Botafogo defenders were beaten and harassed by the experienced attacker. Pachuca also won the semi-final against Al-Ahly: the so-called Challenger Cup brought even more titles. There are Indian summers and then there is this.
“We have won two titles in four days and now we want the third against Real Madrid,” says Rondón Pak Gazette. “I am very happy and proud to be part of this incredible club and to be able to experience these things. There are no words that can describe what we have achieved.”
A consistent goalscorer in the Premier League for West Brom and Newcastle, Rondón’s time at Everton was more difficult. But what seemed to be the end of the journey was, in a sense, just the beginning. Incredibly, Rondón has played virtually non-stop since then.
He left Everton in December 2022 and signed for River Plate the following month and helped them win the title in Argentina. After turning one year in Buenos Aires, he moved to Mexico in early 2024 and continued playing and playing.
Salomón Rondón has been a revelation since he signed for Pachuca in January
For Venezuela there has also been no international withdrawal. Rondón was the second top scorer in the summer Copa América. In October, he scored the equalizing goal as Venezuela tied with defending champion Argentina in World Cup qualification.
“This year has been fantastic for me,” says Rondón. I am very grateful because this year I have once again demonstrated my desire to continue improving and giving my all, and that will continue to be the case. “I’m really having fun right now.”
And he adds: “You can tell how much I enjoy football when you see my nomination for The Best FIFA Men’s 11.” Yes, it is worth mentioning. Rondón was on the list of the 21 outstanding attackers in world football during 2024, reflecting his astonishing rebirth.
Salomón Rondón celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal against Botafogo
It may never be too late to improve. And perhaps the best is yet to come for Rondón. Real Madrid will be the big favorite on Wednesday, but Pachuca is starting to enjoy this underdog label. “We obviously had high hopes for this Intercontinental Cup,” he says.
“We came to Qatar with the intention of having a great tournament and finishing 2024, which has brought us so much joy, in the best possible way. We have given our best. We came here as CONCACAF champions and we left as champions of the Americas.
“Now we face a very tough game but we face it with great enthusiasm. I have already achieved great things, but there are still a few days of the year. Real Madrid awaits us and that is a great motivation. I really hope that we can close with a victory “.
