HONORING RICARDO PEPI AND ALEJANDRO "ALEX" ZENDEJAS

On 2026-06-10, Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING RICARDO PEPI AND ALEJANDRO "ALEX" ZENDEJAS" in the House.

HONORING RICARDO PEPI AND ALEJANDRO "ALEX" ZENDEJAS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E562] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RICARDO PEPI AND ALEJANDRO ``ALEX'' ZENDEJAS ______ HON. VERONICA ESCOBAR of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, I rise today to honor Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro ``Alex'' Zendejas, two stars in professional and international soccer, for being selected as part of the U.S. Men's National Team for the 2026 World Cup. Mr. Pepi, born in El Paso and raised in San Elizario, made a name for himself at FC Dallas where he won MLS Young Player of the Year in 2021 before moving abroad to Europe. He is now a cornerstone of PSV Eindhoven. Mr. Zendejas, born in neighboring Ciudad Juarez and raised in El Paso, has had an incredible career playing for some of Liga MX's biggest clubs like Chivas and Club America, where he is a staple today. So many young athletes and their families sacrifice immensely to perfect their craft with the dream of playing professionally one day. I hope each of them are proud of their accomplishments and this once-in- a-lifetime opportunity to represent our country on the world's biggest stage. El Paso is very proud of them. I thank them both for making our community and our country proud. I wish each of them--and the entire Men's National Team--nothing but the best of luck. ____________________