Pablo Barrera

Pablo Edson Barrera Acosta is a professional footballer from Mexico who plays as a striker. Known for his pace and finishing, Barrera began playing as an 11 year old in the youth system at UNAM Pumas. Playing through the lower levels, an 18-year old Barrera made his debut in the senior team at Pumas in 2005.

In 2007, Barrera became a part of the Under-20 Mexican team before moving up to the senior team in the same year. Scoring twice for the Under-20 team meant that Barrera would get the opportunity in the senior squad, scoring twice in 11 games on the way to lifting the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

At the club level, Barrera began as a substitute and was quite effective when coming on late in a game. His pace and crossing ability made him a serious threat for opponents, giving him the reputation of a star for the future. In 2008, Barrera ruptured the cruciate ligament of his left knee and was forced to undergo surgery.

After being out of action for six months, Barrera returned with a goal against Club Nexaca in his first game back. In the 2009 Clausura tournament, Barrera scored the winning goal for the Pumas, over Pachuca, giving them the title during the second half of extra time.