Armando “Hormiga” González boarded a flight to Greece on August 20 to finalize his move to Olympiacos, and he made it clear from the start: this transfer is about growth, not a bigger paycheck. The 23-year-old Mexican striker, who developed at Guadalajara, says the chance to test himself in European football outweighed any financial offers he received.
“Money isn’t the priority,” González said before leaving. “I want to become a better player, and Olympiacos gives me that platform.” The club, based in Piraeus, is the most decorated in Greek football, with a passionate fanbase and a habit of competing in European tournaments. For a young forward from Celaya, Guanajuato, that’s an attractive next step.
From Tapatío to the top of Liga MX
González’s rise has been rapid. He came through the youth ranks at Tapatío, Guadalajara’s feeder club, before making his first-team debut in 2023. His scoring touch quickly made him one of the most dangerous attackers in Mexico. In the Apertura 2025 season, he shared the top scorer title with Paulinho and Joao Pedro. Across 69 official appearances for Chivas, he netted 29 goals and added 4 assists.
That form earned him a call-up from Mexico’s head coach Javier Aguirre and a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad. Now, he’s taking that momentum to Europe, where he hopes to refine his game against tougher defenders and in high-pressure matches.
Why Olympiacos?
Olympiacos may not be in the Champions League this season, but González sees the club as the perfect environment to develop. “They compete for titles every year, and the fans demand excellence,” he noted. “That’s what I need.” The Greek side regularly features in European competitions, and González believes that experience will prepare him for the rigors of top-tier football.
His long-term goal is clear: to play in the UEFA Champions League. “It’s a childhood dream,” he admitted. “I want to help Olympiacos win the league and qualify for the Champions League. That’s the level I’m aiming for.”
The move also reflects a broader trend of Mexican players seeking challenges abroad. While some stay in Liga MX for comfort, González is betting on himself. He’s also balancing football with academics, as he pursues an online university degree—a reminder that his ambitions extend beyond the pitch.
For Chivas fans, his departure is bittersweet. He was a homegrown talent, a symbol of the club’s cantera. But González insists he’ll return one day. “I’m leaving as a boy, but I’ll come back as a complete footballer,” he said. “Chivas is my home, and this is not a goodbye, just a see you later.”
His move to Olympiacos had been in the works for weeks, with negotiations stalling at one point as Chivas held firm on the transfer fee. But the deal eventually went through, and now González is ready to make his mark in Greece.
As he settles into his new surroundings, the pressure will be on. Olympiacos expects goals, and González knows he’ll need to deliver. But he’s confident. “I’m not afraid of challenges,” he said. “I’ve worked my whole life for this.”
For Mexican football fans, his journey will be closely watched. If he succeeds, he could inspire a new generation of players to look beyond Liga MX. And if he fulfills his Champions League dream, he’ll have proven that ambition and hard work can take you anywhere.
