Pachuca, November 2025 — During an evening filled with emotion and historic talent, the International Football Hall of Fame held its 13th induction ceremony at the "Gota de Plata" Auditorium, honoring 18 new legends of world football.
One of the most memorable moments occurred when Jorge Campos, the mythical Mexican goalkeeper, personally presented the trophy to René Higuita, the Colombian keeper whose style revolutionized the position. Higuita was inducted as part of the Class of 2025 and expressed his pride in entering the venue that honors the very best of global football.
During the event, a historic photograph was captured featuring five titans of the goal: Iker Casillas (Spain), Jorge Campos (Mexico), Ubaldo “Pato” Fillol (Argentina), René Higuita (Colombia), and Nery Pumpido (Argentina). The five spent time together, laughing and sharing anecdotes throughout the ceremony, sealing the night as a true gathering of legends.
Casillas was one of the major protagonists of the evening, receiving a warm standing ovation from the audience as he took the stage to accept his trophy. The former Real Madrid goalkeeper and 2010 World Champion with Spain was visibly moved and grateful for the recognition, highlighting the affection and admiration of the Mexican public.
The induction of this generation also included international figures such as Dunga, Gary Lineker, and Ronald Koeman, as well as Mexican icons like Ignacio Ambriz, Luis Flores, Miguel España, Gerardo Torrado, and Juan Francisco Palencia.
With this recognition, Campos reinforces his role not only as a former goalkeeper but as a bridge between generations, passing the torch of legacy to Higuita and celebrating the historical value of those who defined the goal, each in their own way. For Higuita, the distinction represents the culmination of a career marked by audacity, the reinvention of the goalkeeper, and limitless passion.
