Luis Romo


Luis Francisco Romo Barrón is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for Liga MX club Guadalajara and the Mexico national team.

Early life

Born in Sinaloa, Romo began his career playing for the youth squads of Cruz Azul. At the age of 15, Romo was cut by Cruz Azul, and eventually joined the youth squads of Querétaro.

Club career

Querétaro

2018–19: Debut season

He made his Liga MX debut with Querétaro on 20 July 2018, in the team's opening match of the 2018–19 [Liga MX season|season], against Atlas.

2019–20: Assuming the captaincy and departure

By the 2019 Apertura, he was named club captain. It proved to be Romo's final campaign with Querétaro, playing in 17 matches and scoring three goals.

Cruz Azul

2019–20: Debut season

In January 2020, he joined Cruz Azul, returning to the club he had played for as a youngster. He made his league debut for the club on the 17th of the month in a 2–1 defeat to Atlético San Luis.

2020–21: Liga MX Best XI and first league title

On 25 July, he scored his first goal for La Máquina in a 3–0 victory over Santos Laguna. On 3 December, he scored his first brace in Cruz Azul's 4–0 first leg victory over Pumas UNAM in the Guardianes 2020 semi-finals. He played in the return leg of the series which Cruz Azul lost 4–0, resulting in the team's elimination 4–4 on aggregate.
Romo played an integral part in Cruz Azul's championship-winning Guardianes 2021 campaign. He played in 19 matches, scored three goals, and provided seven assists, and was named the league's best player.

2021–22: Final season and departure

On 6 January 2022, Romo announced his official departure from Cruz Azul on social media.

Monterrey

Shortly after departing from Cruz Azul, it was officially confirmed that Romo had signed with Monterrey. During the presentation, Romo declared that he wanted to become successful at the club like Jesús Arellano, who he idolized as a kid.

Return to Cruz Azul

On 8 July 2024, Romo announced that he would be making his return to Cruz Azul.

Guadalajara

In January 2025, Romo joined Guadalajara in an exchange that included Jesús Orozco joining Cruz Azul and Cruz Azul paying an additional $4.5 million.

International career

Youth

2021: Summer Olympics

Romo was called up by Jaime Lozano as one of three over-age reinforcements for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He won the bronze medal with the Olympic team.

Senior

2019: Beginnings

Romo received his first call up to the senior national team by Gerardo Martino, and made his debut on 19 November 2019 in the 2–1 CONCACAF Nations League victory against Bermuda.

2022: First FIFA World Cup

In October 2022, Romo was named in Mexico's preliminary 31-man squad for the 2022 [FIFA World Cup], and in November, he was ultimately included in the final 26-man roster, but did not receive any minutes on the field during the tournament.

Personal life

Romo is married to his teenage sweetheart María Fernanda, with whom he has two children, a son and a daughter.

Career statistics

International

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
114 June 2022Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica1–11–12022–23 CONCACAF Nations League A
225 June 2023NRG Stadium, Houston, United States1–04–02023 CONCACAF Gold Cup
325 June 2023NRG Stadium, Houston, United States2–04–02023 CONCACAF Gold Cup
47 September 2024Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States3–03–0Friendly

Honours

Cruz Azul
Mexico Olympic
Mexico
Individual