The Mexican national team defender is under contract with Serie A side Genoa until 2027
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Market value estimated at $14.5 millionHas played 126 Serie A matches, 105 with GenoaChivu, Inter’s coach, spoke highly of the Mexican defenderFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Johan Vásquez is reaching the peak of his professional career. At 26, the Mexican center-back has become one of the most consistent defenders in Serie A, drawing attention from Italian giants such as Inter Milan and Juventus. Yet, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Vásquez knows the next move must be the right one.
The Genoa defender – who joined the club in 2022 after a standout spell with Pumas UNAM—enjoyed a stellar 2024–25 season, playing 36 of 38 league matches, scoring three goals, and picking up nine yellow cards without a single sending-off. His performances have made him a hot topic in the transfer market, with reported interest also coming from clubs in Spain and England.
Despite the buzz, Vásquez is proceeding with caution. “It’s been a dream for a while,” he told ESPN. “The Inter coach even said just playing for Genoa is already a great achievement. I don't want to rush things – we're a year away from the World Cup. I'm 26, and I wouldn’t want to make a mistake. I'm calm because of the season I had. I'm at a great club, and whatever happens, happens. The rumors excite me, but the transfer window is long, and we’ll see.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
As of now, Vásquez remains focused on international duty with Mexico at the 2025 Gold Cup. He missed several matches due to a lingering ankle injury, including friendlies against Switzerland and Turkey and tournament opener against the Dominican Republic. However, he made a return in the group stage clash against Suriname.
“I wasn’t at 100 percent, but I wanted to help the team,” Vásquez said. “I was eager to play. It was tough to find my rhythm, and we decided not to take any more risks, so I stepped away from the tournament.”
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre later confirmed it was a “calculated risk” to start Vásquez, acknowledging the player's willingness to push through discomfort for the sake of the team.
Getty Images SportWHAT CRISTIAN CHIVU SAID
One of his strongest supporters is Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu, who recently praised Vásquez’s maturity and development. “Just being at Genoa and performing in Serie A is a big accomplishment,” Chivu said. “I hope he has the hunger to take the next step and fulfill his dream at a bigger club.”
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?
Mexico now face Costa Rica this Sunday in their final group-stage match at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Both teams are level on six points, but a draw would see through thanks to their superior goal difference. A win, however, would help silence recent criticism and strengthen Mexico’s claim as a title contender.
