Tijuana - Alejandro Gutiérrez Mora

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Exploration: is a photo series dedicated to the spirit of following one’s whim. Our members will let curiosity lead the way in searching for unique football cultures.

09 TIJUANA

FCS-ID: 009/AGM1G0824—52

PHOTOGRAPHER: ALEJANDRO GUTIÉRREZ MORA
LOCATION: TIJUANA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
DATE: AUGUST 2024
FCS-ID: 009/AGM1G0824—52

In Tijuana, the Mexican border city that sits at the confluence of Mexican and American culture, football was not always as popular as it is today. While football is by far and away Mexico’s national sport, the beautiful game wasn’t on the front of people’s minds in Tijuana and the wider Baja California region. With its location on the Mexican-US border and just under 20 miles away from San Diego to the north; the NFL and MLB attracted the most attention from fans, with the Chargers, Padres and a local baseball team called Potros being among the most popular sports teams in the city. Everything, however, changed in 2007 with the establishment of Club Tijuana.

Over the next couple of years, Xolos (the club’s nickname) would slowly but surely win over the hearts and minds of the Tijuanenses. The club’s first and only league title came in 2012, the result of a fairytale few years that saw Xolos win the Liga MX title within just 18 months of being promoted to the first tier.

When he’s not documenting pivotal events in Tijuana’s streets or shooting for Xolos, Football Case Study Member and Baja California native Alejandro Gutiérrez Mora spends his time exploring his connection to the city and football- a deeply personal relationship that has shaped him and his work.

“I have a very personal connection with football and the city, and I think it defines my own creative process and the way I visualize the sport. I like to walk around and feel the stands, the hallways, being on the field where everything happens, but I also like the places and people that don't often appear on the main stage. Tijuana is not a city that is characterized by football culture, it has a relatively young history but with a lot to offer, places that are barely explored and a lot of football to breathe.”

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