Top Five Mexican Athletes

May 02, 2008

Buenos Dias! It's Cinco de Mayo so Kidzworld is counting down the top five Mexican athletes in the world today. See who made our list!

#5. Jorge Cantu

Jorge Cantu

Jorge Cantu, a Texas-born Mexican, has found a lot of success on the baseball diamond. This 26-year-old third baseman for the Florida Marlins has had a solid MLB career. In 2004, he was named the team's MVP after finishing the season with a .289 batting average with 28 home runs and 117 RBI's. He was also part of the Mexican National Team that competed in the 2004 Olympic Games and the 2006 World Baseball Classic. Jorge also makes his offseason home in Reynosa, Mexico.

#4. Eduardo Najera

Eduardo Najera

Eduardo Najera of the Denver Nuggets is only the second Mexican-born player to ever play in the NBA. This 6'8" power forward is one of the hardest working players in the league. His intensity is the reason why he is such a good rebounder and defender. In college, Eduardo was one of the most popular players to ever play at the University of Oklahoma. Despite all of his success, Eduardo is always giving back to his people. In 2004, he founded the Eduardo Najera Foundation for Latino Achievement, which provides college scholarships for outstanding Latino students.

#3. Lee Trevino

Lee Trevino

Legendary golfer, Lee Trevino has been one of the most recognizable faces in the Mexican community. Born in Dallas, TX, Lee made his PGA debut in 1967. In his 40-year career, Lee has won six major championships and was elected into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981. In 2000, he was ranked as the 14th best golfer of all time by Golf Digest Magazine. Lee has established numerous scholarship funds to benefit young Mexican Americans.

#2. Lorena Ochoa

Lorena Ochoa

This Mexico native is one of the best female golfers in the world right now. Lorena is currently ranked number one in the world. She started golfing at the age of five and hasn't looked back ever since. Lorena was a standout at the University of Arizona before she took her act to the LPGA Tour in 2003. She has 25 professional wins including two major championships. In 2001, Lorena was the recipient of Mexico's National Sports Award. She was the youngest person and female golfer to receive Mexico's most prestigious sporting award.

#1. Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar de la Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya is one of the biggest names in all of sports. This East Los Angeles native is considered one of the greatest boxers in the history of the sport. As an amateur, Oscar posted a 224-5 record and won a gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. As a pro, he has a record of 39-5 and has earned more money throughout his career than any other boxer! Oscar is also very active in the Hispanic community. He has several charities that help less fortunate kids.