The small and vibrant Mexicans Abroad contingent grew in stature and strength in 2012. Javier Hernández continued to lead the group with his goalscoring exploits at Manchester United, but he received plenty of support. Carlos Vela's emergence at Real Sociedad captured an emerging theme (securing the right transfer move after a period in the wilderness) and displayed his ample talents to a wider audience. Other players found new homes and laid the groundwork for future moves to more prominent sides. With Diego Reyes already set to join FC Porto during the summer and a host of Olympic stars linked with similar moves, the future looks bright for this particular group.

Read on to learn FOX Soccer's list of the top Mexicans Abroad performers of 2012.

Symbolism rather than production lands the Mexico schemer on this list after Mallorca finally offered him an escape from his Spurs nightmare. His La Liga move hasn't panned out yet with injury and weight concerns limiting his influence on the side. But now he at least harbors some hope that he may ultimately aid his teammates instead of biding his time in the reserves for a side that simply didn't have a use for his ample talents.

The 24-year-old defender burnished his reputation despite toiling away for relegation battlers Espanyol. If Moreno continues to perform as he did for club and country in 2012, then a larger club will certainly shepherd him away from his continued struggles against the drop. Until that move finally materializes, Moreno can enjoy his side's recent resurgence under former Mexico boss Javier Aguirre.

Valencia ended Guardado's temporary exile in the second division by signing him on a free transfer from Deportivo La Coruña during the summer. Guardado established himself as a regular for Los Che (16 league appearances, six Champions League games) and slotted into an unfamiliar left back berth to prove his worth to the team. Guardado will hope his recent success extends to tasks domestic (a viable challenge for a European place) and foreign (a round-of-16 date with Paris Saint-Germain in February) in 2013.

The 23-year-old winger will look back upon 2012 as the year he finally secured a regular first-team place. Vela joined Sociedad on a permanent deal in the summer after scoring 12 goals while on loan from Arsenal during the 2011-12 season. He maintained his potent form during the fall (seven goals in 16 league appearances) to reinforce his status as one of Mexico's most promising talents. The only blight on his impressive year: his continued exile from El Tri.

Chicharito continues to score regularly for one of the most prominent clubs in the world. The ex-Chivas striker suffered in form a bit during the middle of the year (remember his profligacy in that defeat against the United States at the Azteca?), but he shrugged off persistent rumors about a move away from Manchester to produce for United yet again at the start of the current campaign. The 24-year-old scored ten times in all competitions during the fall despite often settling for a role on the bench behind Wayne Rooney (currently injured) and Robin van Persie.