Stockton native Alex Alcalá, 18, is making waves in the soccer world as he recently signed a five-year contract with Manchester City F.C., marking a significant milestone in his career that began with Stockton TLJ FC Rebels soccer club at the age of seven.
Reflecting on his journey, Alcalá expressed the fulfillment of accomplishing a goal he set for himself at a young age. “It feels really good to accomplish something that I set my mind to a long time ago,” he said. “It was something that I worked really hard to do over the last 10 years, and now that I’ve done it, it’s incredible.”
Alcalá's passion for soccer ignited at the age of nine, and his exceptional dribbling skills quickly set him apart. His highlights, posted on social media by his mother, Mariana Solorio, caught the attention of sports agent Luis Loreto from Ocelot Management. The discovery led to a visit to Manchester City, where Alcalá's unique talents on the field captured the club's interest.
Tony Aguilar, Stockton TLJ’s club president, emphasized Alcalá's extraordinary dribbling ability, noting that his close ball control and skillful moves made him stand out. Alcalá's commitment to perfecting his skills, including winning the club's juggling competition, contributed to his development.
Transitioning from Stockton to Manchester, Alcalá's soccer journey included training with renowned clubs such as Manchester City, Barcelona, and Pachuca. In 2020, he joined the LA Galaxy academy, and by 2021, he signed his first professional contract with the Galaxy.
In his MLS career, Alcalá proved to be an invaluable asset, earning a spot in the 2022 MLS Next All-Star Game and finishing the 2023 season with three goals, three assists, and 21 shots.
Standing at 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds, the speedy midfielder earned the nickname "Mexican Messi" for his dynamic play style. Despite his growing stature in the soccer world, Alcalá remains grateful to Stockton TLJ FC for laying the foundation for his success.
“I couldn’t have done it without the support from my family, friends, my coach Tony Aguilar, and my club Stockton TLJ FC where I’ve played since I was seven years old,” Alcalá said. “I hope to one day repay TLJ Academy for all the support by helping younger players achieve their dreams.”
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