Julián Quiñones, Blackness in Mexico and the complexities of national identity

Two years ago, Quiñones was the target of racist chants by fans. Now, hailed as a hero in that same country, he’s challenging expectations of race and identityOn a March night in Guadalajara in 2024, Club América were winning El Clásico Nacional. Julián Quiñones, their star player, had scored and headed toward the sideline. Then a shout at Quiñones, who is Black, rang out from the stands. ¡Puto negro! A racial slur.Moments later, monkey noises were heard in the stands. The scene was familiar to anyone who follows Mexican soccer.…