Rafael Marquez
Rafael Marquez Alvarez also was known as Rafa only is a Mexican footballer specializing as both a center back and defensive midfielder, who is currently playing for Club Leon in the Liga MX league and the Mexico national football team. He plays as a central defender or defensive midfielder and he has captained Mexico for the last eight years. At the age of 14, he went for a trial with the Atlas de Guadalajara youth teams and was one of only two boys chosen out of one hundred. From 2003 to 2010 he was in the FC Barcelona.
After playing in the 2018 World Cup, he became only the third player to play for his national team in five consecutive editions of the FIFA World Cup, in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 editions of the tournament.
Early Life of Rafael Marquez
Born on 13th February 1979 in Zamora Hidalgo, in the Mexican state of Michoacan de Ocampo, Rafael Marquez is a very popular and skilled footballer. He is the son of Rafael Marquez Esqueda and Rosa Maria Alvarez.
Rafael Marquez's Career
He made his debut in the Mexican First Division when he was just 17 years old and quickly cemented his place in the starting eleven. After just 15 matches in the First Division, Marquez earned a call-up to the Mexico squad managed by Bora Milutinovic, to play in the Aztec Stadium in Mexico City against Ecuador on 5th February 1997.
In 1999, at 20 years old, he led Atlas to the final of the Mexican Summer Tournament, where they lost on penalties against Toluca. A few months later he was included in the national squad for the Copa America match against Paraguay. Mexico finally finished third.
In 2004-05, he demonstrated his versatility. The knee ligament injuries to Edmilson and Thiago Motta meant that Marquez was asked to step away from his usual role in the center of defense and play as a defensive midfielder, as he had done for both Monaco and Mexico in the past. He proved to be outstanding in front of the defense as he helped the side win the league title.
He has been the captain of Mexico since he was a young player and has been the right-hand man on the pitch for recent national coaches. He captained Mexico in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and has led his country in his four Copa America in 1999, 2001, 2004 and 2007. Till today he has been involved in the clubs like Atlas, Monaco, Barcelona, New Yor Red Bulls and Leon.
Net Worth, Salary, Awards, And Achievements
Rafael Marquez's net worth is $25 million at present. He is listed on top 10 richest footballers in Mexico.
His market value of 1000,000 Euros. He stands at the height of 1.82m tall and is very strong build.
In his first season at Monaco, the club won the French league championship. Marquez is also a top international, having played for Mexico 94 times, scoring 11 goals. Perhaps his highest-profile goal was against South Africa in the opening match of FIFA World Cup 2010.
After the Copa America, and before moving to Europe, Marquez earned his first silverware when Mexico won the Confederations Cup against Brazil. Despite being only 20 years old when he joined Monaco, Marquez was one of the leading players in the Monaco squad and in his first year won the league and the Super Cup (in 2000) and was named as the best defender in the French league.
He consolidated his reputation as one of the most promising defenders in world football thanks to his cla s s and excellent positioning. In his last season with Monaco (2002-03), he won the League Cup. In the 2005-06 season Marquez partnered Carles Puyol in the center of the defense and together they became one of the best central defensive pairings in Europe.
Rafael Marquez's Personal Life
Rafael Marquez is married to Jaydy Michel who is a professional model. Rafael Marquez and Jaydy Michel were married since January 4, 2011. Children of Rafael Marquez Alvarez and Jaydy Michel is not disclosed yet and.
He was previously married to Adriana Lavat and they maintained a relation from 27 December 2003 – 2007 and later they were divorced. Rafael Marquez and Adriana Lavat have two children.