Francisco Palencia

Juan Francisco "Paco" Palencia Hernández (born 28 April 1973) is a Mexican professional football manager and former footballer. Palencia began his career with Cruz Azul, where he played for nearly a decade and won multiple championships, including the Verano 1997 league title. He also participated in the 2001 Copa Libertadores, finishing as a runner-up and scored one goal in the final.

Club career Cruz Azul Palencia began his professional career with Cruz Azul after progressing through the club's youth system. He made his debut on December 23, 1994, in a match against Correcaminos.

By his second season, Palencia had become a regular starter, contributing goals and assists. In 1996, he participated in Cruz Azul's Copa México victory, appearing as a substitute in the final against Toros Neza. The following year, he was part of the squad that won the club's eighth league title, defeating León at the Nou Camp.

During this period, Cruz Azul also won consecutive CONCACAF Champions Cup titles in 1996 and 1997, with Palencia playing a role in both campaigns.

After Carlos Hermosillo left the club in 1998, Palencia was named team captain, a role he held until 2001.

In the 2001 Copa Libertadores, Palencia contributed to Cruz Azul's run to the final. He scored twice against River Plate and added two more goals against Rosario Central, including one in the final moments of the semifinal. Cruz Azul finished as runners-up after a penalty shootout loss to Boca Juniors.

Loan to Espanyol Palencia joined La Liga club Espanyol on a one-year loan for the 2001–02 season. He made 31 appearances and scored six goals. After Cruz Azul and Espanyol were unable to reach a financial agreement, Palencia returned to Mexico.

Guadalajara In August 2003, Palencia transferred to Guadalajara following a breakdown in relations with Cruz Azul.

In the Clausura 2004, Guadalajara reached the final, where they lost to Universidad Nacional in a penalty shootout. The following year, Palencia scored five goals during the club's 2005 Copa Libertadores campaign, which ended in a semifinal loss to Athletico Paranaense.

Chivas USA Palencia joined Chivas USA in August 2005, later than originally planned due to his commitments with Guadalajara. He scored twice in his debut and was named captain in 2006. At the time, he was the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, earning an annual salary of US$1,360,000. He made 34 appearances and scored 8 goals during his tenure.

Universidad Nacional Palencia signed with Universidad Nacional in January 2007. His performance varied over the seasons, but he played a leading role in the Clausura 2009, helping the team win the league title with a goal in the final against Pachuca.

In the Clausura 2011, he scored in both legs of the final against Morelia, contributing to a 3–2 aggregate victory. This marked the third and final league title of his career. He retired from professional football on November 28, 2011.

International career Palencia made his international debut for the Mexico national team on June 8, 1996, against Bolivia national team at the U.S. Cup tournament in Dallas, Texas, scoring the winning goal.

Palencia played in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, taking his side to the quarterfinals where they were defeated by Nigeria, the eventual winners. He was a member of the national team for the 1996, 1998 and 2003 Gold Cup tournaments and the 1999 Confederations Cup tournament, where he helped Mexico win all four competitions. Palencia also played in two FIFA World Cups, France'98 and Korea-Japan 2002, but could only help his team reach the "Round of 16" of the tournaments before being eliminated. He has also represented his country in three Copa América tournaments in 1997, 1999 and 2004, as well as two Confederations Cup appearances in 1997 and 1999.

In 2006, the veteran striker missed out on selection in Mexico's 23 man squad for the World Cup.

On February 7, Palencia was called up by coach Hugo Sánchez to represent his country and play a friendly game against the United States. The Mexicans lost the match 0–2. However, Palencia played against Paraguay on March 25 and Ecuador on March 28, Mexico winning both matches and Palencia score a goal.

Managerial career In 2015, Palencia began his managerial career in Spain with FC Sant Cugat, competing in the Juvenil "A" category of the Primera Catalana. On May 30, 2016, Palencia was appointed head coach of Universidad Nacional. His tenure lasted until August 23, 2017, when he was dismissed after six matches of the Apertura 2017 tournament.

On June 1, 2018, Palencia was unveiled as the new head coach of Lobos BUAP, with the primary goal of keeping the club in Mexico's top division. His spell ended in June 2019 when the franchise was sold and relocated to become Juárez, leaving him without a team.

On July 1, 2020, Palencia became the first manager of the new Mazatlán franchise. His stint there concluded in October 2020.

In June 2023, Palencia was appointed head coach of Sporting FC in Costa Rica's top division. On January 29, 2024, he was relieved of his duties.

Career statistics

International goals

Honours Cruz Azul Mexican Primera División: Invierno 1997 Copa México: 1996–97 CONCACAF Champions Cup: 1996, 1997

UNAM Mexican Primera División: Clausura 2009, Clausura 2011

Mexico FIFA Confederations Cup: 1999 CONCACAF Gold Cup: 1996, 1998, 2003 CONCACAF Pre-Olympic Tournament: 1996