The Tijuana-San Diego region not only shares its economy but also its culture, and therefore literature, which is why CETYS University, together with the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies (UDMEX) of UC San Diego and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, invited the renowned author and journalist Juan Villoro to give a lecture.

The event was held in downtown San Diego at the UCSD Park & ​​Market facilities, where he spoke about his book «God is Round: Understanding Soccer.» The writer talks about one of the most relevant aspects of Mexican culture, soccer, and how it can have greater influence than other issues of global relevance.

“What I like most about soccer is that it gives us the opportunity to connect with our inner child. We cannot forget the joy of a game where even heroes are a possibility. The best thing about soccer is being able to recover our childhood. What I hate the most is financial manipulation, seeing how the meaning of soccer totally changes when money gets in the way. For example, when a team has a player who earns more than the entire opposing team. This inequality is terrible because the best does not always win. The richest wins: that is the problem, the excess of money and its abuse”,

said the Mexican journalist.

Dr. Fernando León-García, President of the CETYS University System, thanked Ambassador Carlos González-Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, for the strategic alliance created to support projects like this, which are highly relevant given the synergy and bond of brotherhood existing between the communities of San Diego and Tijuana. He also highlighted the relevance of further promoting forums that integrate both cultures and enrich both sides of the border.

“It is a privilege to have Juan Villoro with us today, with the help of CETYS University and UCSD. He can say simple matters in a simple way, daily life with lightness. He conveyed that today in his talk about soccer, a sport that for many is part of their identity,” said Ambassador Carlos González-Gutiérrez.

Rafael Fernández de Castro, USMEX Director and «Aaron Feldman Family Chancellor’s Endowed Chair in U.S.-Mexican Studies in Memory of David Feldman, UCSD,” highlighted the work with CETYS University and the Consulate to generate more cultural evenings.

“It was a wonderful talk about soccer, identities, children, and games. I am very pleased about this joint work with CETYS University and the University of California San Diego, with a great writer and a popular topic worldwide.»