AEK bid farewell to one of the most iconic players of its modern era, Orbelin Pineda, who is moving to Monterrey after the Mexican club exercised his buyout clause. His transfer was announced simultaneously by Monterrey, confirming the end of a four-year stint that left its mark on the “yellow-and-black” era.

The Mexican midfielder leaves behind a rich legacy: Titles, decisive performances, 174 appearances, 20 goals, 17 assists, and a deep connection with the club and the AEK fanbase. From the summer of 2022 until now, he has been a cornerstone of the midfield, contributed to the 2023 double and the 2026 league title, and became one of the most beloved foreign players to ever wear the team’s jersey.

The club’s announcement was accompanied by an extensive and deeply emotional message from the player, who spoke about the love he felt, the support he received, the relationships he built, and the dream he fulfilled at AEK. A farewell that feels less like a departure and more like a promise to return, as Pineda emphasized that a piece of his heart will remain in Athens forever.

AEK’s announcement:

AEK FC announces the completion of Orbelín Pineda’s transfer to Monterrey, following the Mexican club’s fulfillment of the buyout clause stipulated in the player’s contract.

Orbelín Pineda joined AEK in the summer of 2022 and played in 174 matches across all competitions, scoring 20 goals and providing 17 assists. With our team, he won the Double in 2023 and the Greek Championship in 2026.

We thank Orbelín Pineda for his contribution to AEK during his four years with us and wish him good health and all the best in the future.

Upon completion of the transfer, the Mexican international midfielder told aekfc.gr:

“Before I begin, I just want to say one word: Thank you.

When I made the decision to leave Mexico, I did so with a very clear dream in my heart: To play soccer in Europe. I left behind my family, my homeland, and many of the comforts of my life to pursue a dream I’d had since I was a child. Today I can say, with a heart full of gratitude, that I found that dream here at AEK. This club opened its doors to me, believed in me, and gave me the opportunity to experience some of the happiest moments of my career and my life.

Today the time has come to say goodbye, and I won’t hide the fact that it isn’t easy.

From the very first day, I felt the love of a truly special fan base. From the moment I arrived, you made me feel like one of you, as if I had been born here. Your passion, your dedication, and the way you live every match make this club unique. In moments of joy, we celebrated together, and in difficult times, you never stopped supporting me. Hearing your chants, feeling your energy, and defending these colors in front of you was a privilege I will carry with me forever. Thank you for opening the doors of your city, your club, and your hearts to me. You will always have a special place in mine.

To my teammates, I thank you for so much more than just sharing the locker room. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms from day one, for making me feel like part of a family—for every practice, every trip, every conversation, and every battle on the field. We’ve experienced joys, difficult moments, titles, sacrifices, and experiences that have bound us together forever. I leave proud to have shared this journey with a team of great soccer players, but above all, great people. I’m taking with me friendships and memories that I know will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I’d also like to thank the coaching staff and every coach I’ve had the good fortune to work with, for the trust they placed in me, for their help in enabling me to grow both as a soccer player and as a person, and for pushing me every day to become the best version of myself.

And of course, my gratitude goes to the entire staff and to everyone who makes the day-to-day operations of this club possible. Doctors, physical therapists, caregivers, trainers, cooks, administrative staff, security and communications staff, and everyone who often works behind the scenes but is absolutely essential to our ability to take the field. Thank you for every detail, for every gesture, and for always making me feel safe, respected, and loved. And you, too, are part of this family and everything that AEK stands for.

I’d like to thank Mr. Mario Iliopoulos for his trust, his respect, and, above all, for the tremendous effort he made right up until the very last moment so that I could continue to wear this jersey. I know very well everything he did to keep me on the team, and this gesture is something I will carry with me forever and never forget.

Today, my life and my soccer career present a new challenge. I’m leaving with the peace of mind that I always gave my all for this crest, with my head held high and a deep sense of gratitude.

AEK wasn’t just the team I played for in Europe. AEK was the place where a boy from Mexico made the dream he’d fought so hard for come true. It was a home away from home, a place where I grew up, where I was happy, and where I met people who will leave a lasting mark on my life.

That’s why this will never be a goodbye. It will be a “until we meet again.” Because a piece of my heart will always remain in Athens, with this club, with my teammates, with all the people who work for AEK, and with a stadium that I will never stop carrying in my heart.

Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for making me feel like one of you.

Only AEK!”

*photo source: KYPE