Mexico Captain and NES Player Denies Involvement in Alleged Kidnapping Plot

West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez, also captain of the Mexican national team, has been forced to publicly deny allegations linking him to an alleged kidnapping plot. He has vowed to pursue legal action against anyone making or disseminating false accusations.

“I categorically reject any allegation or attempt to associate my name with events, conflicts, or conduct that have absolutely no relation to me. If anyone believes they have evidence of any wrongdoing on my part, there are authorities, prosecutors, and courts to whom such evidence can be presented. Serious accusations must be supported by evidence and brought to the appropriate authorities, not made through statements in outlets whose priority is sensationalism and media exposure,” read the extensive statement issued by the player.

Mexican filmmaker Juan José López Ordóñez claimed in an interview with TVNotas that he was kidnapped in November 2024. According to his account, two individuals forced their way into his car, blindfolded him, and threatened him with weapons, even injecting him with a syringe in the neck. The kidnappers allegedly told him they were acting under orders from Jonathan Toache Bedolla, who was Alvarez's father-in-law at the time.

Ordóñez states he managed to escape with the help of passersby and reported the incident to the police. While he doesn't directly accuse the footballer of involvement, the filmmaker maintains that Edson Alvarez was aware of the plan.

The conflict reportedly stems from an alleged debt of approximately 179,000 euros that Ordóñez claims Edson Alvarez owes him, related to a documentary about the Mexican national team captain produced before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The filmmaker reportedly requested payment in 2024, at which point he was also involved in a dispute with the player's then father-in-law over a property.

“I will not allow my name to be used to fuel conflicts between third parties or to gain media exposure. Therefore, given the seriousness of the statements, I have instructed my legal team to evaluate and take appropriate legal action,” assured the player, who is coached by Nuno Espírito Santo.

Alvarez also distanced himself from the actions of his former father-in-law: “It is not my place to confirm, deny, or comment on what may be said about third parties, but it is my responsibility to make one thing absolutely clear: I have nothing to do with the events being reported.”

The midfielder, who has made 74 appearances for West Ham since joining from Ajax in 2023, concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to his career and family. “My priority is, and will continue to be, where it always has been: my daughters, my family, and my professional career.”