Jesús Gallardo is a Mexican professional football player currently competing for Toluca. He is best known for his extensive international career, having represented Mexico at three FIFA World Cup tournaments. He holds the record for the fastest yellow card in the history of the FIFA World Cup, received thirteen seconds into a 2018 match.
During Mexico’s final group stage match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Jesús Gallardo received a yellow card just thirteen seconds into play. This incident, occurring after an elbow clash with Ola Toivonen, stands as the fastest recorded booking in the history of the tournament. It remains a singular moment in an extensive international career spanning over one hundred caps.
Development and Pumas UNAM
Born on 15 August 1994 in Heroica Cárdenas, Gallardo began his youth career at age fifteen with Once Hermanos in 2009. Following a brief period with Jaguares de la 48, he joined the Universidad Nacional youth academy in 2013. He debuted for the Pumas UNAM senior squad in 2014 under coach Guillermo Vázquez. During his tenure at the club, he recorded 11 goals across 82 appearances before departing for Monterrey in 2018.
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Take the IQ test →Tenure at Monterrey
Gallardo joined Monterrey on 29 May 2018, making his starting debut against Pachuca that July. Over his time with Los Rayados, he proved pivotal in multiple competitions, securing one league title, one Copa MX title, and two CONCACAF Champions Cup trophies. He accumulated over 200 appearances and scored 21 goals for the club, eventually earning selection to the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League Team of the Tournament.
International Milestones and Toluca
Making his international debut in October 2016 against New Zealand, Gallardo became a staple of the Mexico national team. He represented his country at the 2018, 2022, and 2026 FIFA World Cup tournaments. His trophy cabinet with Mexico includes the 2019, 2023, and 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup titles, alongside the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League. In June 2024, he transferred to Toluca, where he has since added further league honors to his professional record.
Tactical Evolution
Initially deployed as a left-winger at the club level, Gallardo transitioned into a left-back role during his time with the national team. Former coach Juan Carlos Osorio initiated this positional shift, which Gerardo Martino maintained during his tenure. Known for pace and physical intensity, Gallardo is frequently utilized for high pressing and providing offensive distribution as an archetypal team player.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 August 1994, Heroica Cárdenas
- International debut: 8 October 2016
- Total international caps: Over 100
- Former clubs: Once Hermanos, Jaguares de la 48, Pumas UNAM, Monterrey
- Current club: Toluca
- Notable honor: 2019, 2023, 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup titles
Questions readers ask
Which FIFA World Cups has Jesús Gallardo played in?
He was part of the Mexico national team squads for the 2018, 2022, and 2026 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
What record did he set in the 2018 FIFA World Cup?
He received the fastest yellow card in FIFA World Cup history, issued thirteen seconds into a group stage match against Sweden.
