Gerson Pérez, former assistant coach of El Salvador’s senior national team, and most recently assistant coach with Chicago Fire II in MLS Next Pro, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Pumas UNAM U-21 team in Mexico
Pérez officially joins the youth development system of the Mexican club as head coach of its Second Division team, marking a new professional chapter in his coaching career within Mexican club football.
Today, He publicly announced his new role in recent hours via his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he expressed gratitude to the Auriazul institution for placing their trust in him.
His appointment is part of a renewed vision for the university club’s youth academy, intending to strengthen its youth teams, an objective repeatedly emphasized by Pumas’ leadership.
Born in the United States to Salvadoran coach Hugo Pérez, Gerson Pérez has built a distinguished career in youth football development across North America for more than seven years.
From 2021 to 2023, he worked in Central America, serving as an assistant coach for El Salvador’s senior national team. He was a key part of the process that led La Selecta to the final round of World Cup qualifiers (the Octagonal) for the first time in 12 years.
That same year, he also helped El Salvador reach the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup, achieving their highest-ever number of wins in the tournament.
Pérez also coached El Salvador’s U-20 national team, leading them to two finals in international tournaments and winning their CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group—a milestone the country hadn’t reached since 1994.
Until his signing with Pumas, Pérez had spent over three years working as an assistant coach with Chicago Fire II, a team in MLS Next Pro.
Education and Background
Pérez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco, where he studied from 2004 to 2008.
In the field of sports, he has earned both the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Senior A License (2014) and Director’s License (2017). Additionally, he completed an International Master’s program with BeMagistral, specializing in team leadership, coaching, and media relations.
Pérez is expected to bring his international experience to the development of young talent within the Pumas youth academy. In a message thanking the club for his appointment, he wrote on his account, ” Grateful to the institution for trusting me”.
Farewell Message
In a farewell message to his former team, Gerson Pérez thanked the Chicago Fire organization for the chapter he lived with the club, highlighting the support from players, coaching staff, and both past and present front office members.
“I’m especially thankful for the relationships built and the growth I’ve experienced, both personally and professionally,” said Pérez, who also noted that he and his family truly enjoyed their time in the city.
Although he acknowledged that closing this chapter isn’t easy, he emphasized that it’s time to move forward toward a new stage filled with challenges, growth, and new opportunities.
