Head coach Eduardo Berizzo was concerned when Uruguayan football player Nicolás Fonseca did not show up for León’s Thursday morning practice.  Being absent from practice at ‘La Esmeralda’, the team’s training facility in Guanajuato, was particularly uncommon for one of his reliable players, who is usually on time.

 The club was alarmed by this disappearance and contemplated stopping practice while a search was conducted with the help of local authorities to find the player.  According to reports from Mexican media, Fonseca was discovered in a deserted lot, in a troubled position, and he was waiting for assistance.

According to the local press where the team is headquartered, earlier that day, he had been attacked by two people who had stolen his BMW and taken him hostage when he was driving to practice.

Speculation on the possible ramifications for the squad started as word of the incident spread.  According to reports, Colombian midfielder James Rodríguez had asked for his contract to be terminated immediately because of his teammate’s terrible circumstances.  Marco, a Mexican journalist who previously worked for TUDN, posted this information on social media: “James Rodríguez has requested that his contract be canceled in the wake of his teammate Nicolás Fonseca’s kidnapping.  “We anticipate receiving official confirmation in the next few hours,” late Friday afternoon, February 28, 2025.  Nevertheless, there hasn’t been any formal confirmation of this.

In contrast, León issued a press statement confirming that Nicolás Fonseca, a 26-year-old midfielder who usually starts for the green squad, did have his vehicle taken on Thursday but is in good physical shape.  “He works regularly with his teammates in preparation for Saturday’s encounter against Tijuana.  As stated in the club’s official email, “We appreciate the concern and supportive messages received, and we ask the public to refrain from spreading rumors or false news regarding such serious issues as the safety of all citizens.”

León currently leads Liga MX with 23 points after seven wins and two draws, which is the longest winning streak in Mexican football history at the beginning of a first division season.