Republic FC Adds Experienced Wingback Michel Benítez
Republic FC has acquired Michel Benítez, a dynamic left wingback from Mexico, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC, as well as league and federation approval.
“Michel has playing experience at a very high level, which will be valuable for our group,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He will be a threat down our left side, and his two-way ability is a big plus for us.”
Benítez developed in C.D. Guadalajara’s academy after starting with Aguilas de la UAS in his hometown of Sinaloa, Mexico. He scored 10 goals in 61 appearances for Chivas’ U-19s before earning a first-team contract in 2017. With Guadalajara, he made 24 appearances, scoring three goals and adding two assists, and was part of squads that won the Liga MX title, Copa MX, and the 2018 Concacaf Champions League.
Over the next five years, Benítez played on loan in Ascenso MX and Liga de Expansión MX, featuring for Zacatepec, Celaya, and Tapatío, contributing 10 goals and four assists in 87 matches. In 2023, he signed with Club Atlético La Paz, where he scored 13 goals in 53 appearances.
With his attacking mindset and defensive reliability, Benítez brings valuable experience and versatility to Republic FC’s left flank ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season.