While the rivalry between the United States Men’s National Team and Mexico is intense on the field, there is also the long-running recruiting battle for players who could potentially help either program. Some of the names are brought into the fold and fail to rise to the level of their initial promise, but others become stalwarts and lineup fixtures for years.
Fidel Barajas is enjoying a sharp rise through the footballing world, which is attracting attention from both north and south of the border. The 18-year-old dual-national midfielder recently moved from the Charleston Battery to Real Salt Lake and has quickly adapted to Major League Soccer.
Born in Sacramento, California, Barajas competed with FC Sacramento and Sacramento Republic at the youth level before joining the San Jose Earthquakes academy—Top Drawer Soccer rated him as the fifth-best player in his recruiting class. In September of 2022, he signed a professional “multi-year contract” with Charleston Battery of the USL Championship, describing the move as “euphoric” and the achievement of “a dream.”
His first, abbreviated season comprised three appearances: starting twice and contributing two assists. The cross-country move was born out of a desire to expedite his growth process. “I wanted to turn pro, and Charleston was going to be a step higher than the academy level,” Barajas said after signing.
Following an offseason training invitation from Scottish side Hibernian F.C. and adding ten pounds of muscle, Barajas was a full-fledged starter for Charleston, appearing in 34 total matches across all competitions. He contributed four goals and nine assists, including netting a brace in September’s 2-1 victory over FC Tulsa.
Additionally, his goal and two assists were crucial during the first two rounds of the playoffs as the Battery notched a runners-up finish, although international duty kept him out of the semifinal and championship. The USL Championship named him Young Player of the Year and All-League Second Team, along with the Players Association selecting him as Young Player of the Year. The Guardian included him on the Next Generation list of the world’s top-60 young players.
Amid reported interest from Atlético Madrid, PSV Eindhoven, Villarreal, FC Nordsjælland, and Chivas, Barajas moved up a level in the domestic pyramid, signing with Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer, with the club praising him as a “technical” player with a “great left foot, great vision, and the ability to beat [opponents] one-on-one from either flank.” He has enjoyed a smooth transition, with regular time as a rotational starter in 11 total matches. His stand-out performance was a full 90-minute appearance against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, contributing both assists in a 2-1 victory.
His first goal with the club came in a 4-2 loss to New Mexico United in the Round of 32 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, “streaking into the box” and beating the goalkeeper with “a risky shot to the far post at a tight angle with no margin for error.” Despite moving to MLS, his eyes are still on a future abroad. “Looking at [Real Salt Lake’s] history, it was a great step for me and where I want to go, which is Europe,” Barajas shared with Transfermarkt.
At the international level, Barajas is eligible to represent the United States and Mexico. He initially featured with the former program at the U-17 level, competing at the UEFA Development Tournament. However, the latter country began including him in the U-16 and U-17 groups, with the young attacker taking a leading role in the squad.
His three goals and four assists drove El Tri to the title at the 2023 CONCACAF U-17 Championship, followed by a goal and an assist during the run to the Round of 16 at the ensuing U-17 World Cup. His most recent call-up was in March for a U-20 camp, although his birth nation is reportedly “still closely following” him. Standing 5’9”, Barajas is a versatile left-footed winger who can also line up at attacking midfielder, praised as “smart and crafty on the ball” with “very good technique, smart vision, and a fearlessness.” He is dangerous when charging in transition but can also punish defenders giving him too much space with incisive crosses and passes.
His self-confessed strengths are his “shot from outside the box” and “one-on-ones against defenders,” while noting his “shot and control with [his] right foot” are areas for improvement. Real Salt Lake manager and former USMNT member Pablo Mastroeni describes his greatest attribute as “always thinking of goals,” never appearing preoccupied with “possession or trying to keep the ball.”
“Barajas is at his best when he’s working in transition,” wrote John Morrissey for USL Tactics. “[He carves] into space on the break with a real sense of poise and maturity… Often, it’s his ability to modulate speeds and slow down the game that stand out… The crux of any elite player’s game is their ability to minimize their weaknesses and maximize their strengths, and Barajas is adept at doing so. Off the ball, he’s excellent at positioning himself and contorting his frame to put himself in the threatening spots. This aspect of Barajas shines when he’s creating shots for himself.”
Barajas has enjoyed a fast start to his professional career despite moving across the country twice, adapting to the demands of two separate clubs. With his level of skill and production, he could also be a future difference-maker as a senior international. While Mexico currently has the edge on his commitment, circumstances can change with time as players alter their opinions and priorities.
The teenager is a young talent to monitor over the coming years, particularly if his success continues and leads to a transfer overseas.
