£3m ex Rangers flop swaps Ibrox infamy for a political tilt as he embarks on bizarre career change
Former Ibrox midfielder hopes to repay the Mexican city that supported him after a turbulent football career marked by controversy
Ex-Rangers flop Carlos Pena has embarked on a surprising career change after announcing his intention to run for MAYOR of the Mexican city of Leon.
The 36-year-old, whose troubled spell at Ibrox ended in disappointment, retired from professional football last year following a nomadic career that took him to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, the UAE and Syria. An attempt to establish his own football academy also failed to take off.
Pena became one of Pedro Caixinha’s major disappointments at Ibrox after the Portuguese manager sanctioned a £3 million move for the 19-times capped Mexico international in 2017.
The attacking midfielder struggled to make an impact in Glasgow, with his contract eventually terminated by mutual consent in February 2019 following two loan spells back in his homeland. Pena had previously spoken openly about his problems with alcohol during his time in football.
Now, he is hoping to make his mark in an entirely different arena by entering politics in Leon, a city with a population of around 1.6 million where he spent four years playing before his move to Rangers.
Pena says his long-standing connection with the city has inspired his decision to seek public office, stating: “Much of my personal and professional life is deeply linked to Leon and I have received enormous support from the city during my career. Now it is time for me to repay the community.”
Pena: ‘My aim is to use my experience to make Leon a better city’
The former Gers player has identified several issues he believes need urgent attention, including water shortages, inadequate public transport and poverty.
“There are many problems affecting the town, including water scarcity, poor public transportation and poverty,” Pena said. “My commitment to Leon didn’t end on the football pitch.
“Throughout my life, I have had both successes and failures that have taught me valuable lessons. And I have made many mistakes too. My aim is to use my experience to make Leon a better city.”
Pena's football career in Scotland remains a difficult chapter, with his arrival at Rangers failing to deliver the impact supporters had hoped for. His time at Ibrox was also overshadowed by controversy, most notably an incident that angered fans when he was filmed wiping his nose on a pair of Rangers shorts.
The incident occurred as Pena visited a Mexican hospital for a medical ahead of a proposed loan move to Cruz Azul, adding to the negative headlines surrounding his exit.
Having walked away from football, Pena is now attempting to draw a line under his past and build a new future in public service. Whether his footballing background can translate into political success remains to be seen, but Pena has made clear that his ambitions now extend well beyond the pitch.