KEIR RADNEDGE in PACHUCA —- Gary Lineker may have left his international playing career behind him in 1992 but continues to be celebrated here in Mexico as one of latest 18 international stars acclaimed by the Salon de la Fama del Futbol.

The hall of fame was created 24 years ago by Jesus Martinez, president of the multi-faceted Grupo Pachuca which controls six clubs, including the home-city outfit, a sports university, acclaimed training grounds and medical centre.

Each year the salon inducts a mixture of foreign and Mexican stars and the other 17 voted in along with Lineker this year included three goalkeepers in Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-winner Ubaldo Fillol, Colombian ‘scorpion specialist’ Rene Orlando Higuita and Spain’s World Cup and Euro-winning captain Iker Casillas.

Gary LIneker collects another football prize in Mexico

Other foreign inductees were Brazil’s Dunga and Tita and Uruguay’s Diego Forlan. Real Madrid honorary president Jose Martinez ‘Pirri’ and Netherlands’ Ronald Koeman were inducted in their absence. Koeman is national coach of Netherlands who have key World Cup qualifying duties.

New Mexican members welcomed aboard were Ignacio Ambriz, Antonio Bustamente, Osvaldo Casro, Miguel Espana, Luis Flores, Bernardo Hernandez, Juan Francisco Palencia and Gerardo Torrado. Women footballers inducted were former Mexico captain Guadelupe Tovar and the United States’ free-scoring Abby Wambach.

Mexican return

Lineker was back in Mexico for the first time since England’s quarter-final World Cup defeat by Diego Maradona’s Argentina in 1986.

He told the audience in the Gota de Plata theatre: “This award means a lot to me, and it means even more because it’s here in Mexico. The 1986 World Cup was very special and changed my life in many ways. Scoring six goals, winning the Golden Boot, and playing in perhaps one of the most famous matches ever played.

“The quarter-final was one of the matches of the all time with Diego Maradona’s Argentina, the Hand of God, and that second incredible goal. I scored the goal that nobody remembers. I’m very honoured to be inducted into the hall of fame with so many great players.”

Three careers

Lineker scored 48 goals in 80 appearances for England between 1984 and 1992 before building a new career as a television sports presenter – notably with the BBC’s Match of the Day – and then a popular podcast operation.

Since its launch in 2011, the Hall of Fame has recognised more than 180 world football personalities including players, coaches, referees and executives. The latest gala opened with a message of support and congratulations from the FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

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