José Raúl “La Pantera” Zúñiga scored on his debut as Club América edged Necaxa. Read how fans and celebs praised the goal on social media, what it means for América’s season, and what’s next.
Post By: DMG
27/07/2025
Necaxa vs Club América: Zúñiga’s Debut Sparks Social Buzz
In a highly-anticipated Liga MX Apertura 2025 clash, Club América traveled to Estadio Victoria to face Necaxa. The standout moment? The debut goal by newly signed Colombian striker José Raúl “La Pantera” Zúñiga, sealing a 1–0 victory for América and immediately lighting up social media.
The Match & Zúñiga’s Impact
Zúñiga joined América this summer after a prolific spell at Tijuana, where he finished as Clausura’s top scorer with 12 goals and totaled 23 goals across 53 matches . Debuting against Necaxa, he found the net to deliver América a narrow win in a hard-fought game covered live by TUDN .
Fans & Celebrities React on Social Media
The moment his name appeared on the scoresheet, X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms blew up:
Club América’s official X account celebrated with:
GOOOOOL DE LA PANTERA!
GOOOOOOOL DE RAÚL ZÚÑIGA
alongside video highlights .
Broadcasters and Liga MX influencers shared clips praising his poise and instincts. No high-profile celebrity tweet surfaced yet, but fan accounts and sports analysts immediately labeled him “game‑changer,” boosting his visibility beyond Mexican media—especially strong in the US Latino soccer community.
What This Means for América’s Season
Club América, the most decorated team in Liga MX with 16 titles, saw immediate reinforcement from Zúñiga’s arrival . With Henry Martín sidelined, and forwards like Víctor Dávila and Rodrigo Aguirre underperforming, Zúñiga brings fresh depth and attacking promise .
His signing aligns with América’s transfer strategy: investing around €2.5M to bring in proven strikers as pressure mounts to compete domestically and in continental cups.
Zúñiga’s Backstory & Career Path
Born on July 13, 1994, in Chocó, Colombia, Zúñiga made his pro debut relatively late in 2019, at age 25, with Potros UAEM . He spent several seasons in Mexico’s second division with Dorados, delivering consistently before breaking into Liga MX via Querétaro and later shining at Tijuana . His rise underscores a remarkable late-blooming journey.
Why American and Global Fans Should Care
US Viewers: América has a large fanbase in the US, and Zúñiga’s signing adds intrigue ahead of Liga MX broadcasts on Univision, TUDN, and ViX. He’s positioned as América’s next attacking star.
International Attention: With American celebrity investors like Kate Upton, Justin Verlander, Eva Longoria, and Mesut Özil involved in Necaxa ownership, the cross-border spotlight is growing.
Takeaway for Club América & Fans
Zúñiga’s debut goal could be a pivotal moment – directly impacting América’s scoring dynamics and giving coach André Jardine new options up front .
Social media reactions, especially via América’s channels, show genuine excitement. This helps with visibility on Google Discover and search CTR.
For Necaxa, América, and Liga MX followers in the US, Zúñiga’s journey is a story of perseverance and opportunity.
Final Thoughts
José Raúl “La Pantera” Zúñiga’s debut goal against Necaxa was more than just a match-winner—it was a statement. In a tight Liga MX fixture, the 31-year-old delivered when it mattered most, instantly sparking social media buzz and raising expectations. With América counting on him to help navigate a critical season, fans across the US and Mexico will watch closely to see if Zúñiga can sustain this claimed momentum.
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