World Cup South Africa 2010
History - Groups - Players - Venues
Favorite Players by Country (Germany 2006)
Group D - Mexico:
Rafael Márquez
Place of Birth: Michoacan, Mexico
Date of Birth: February 13th, 1979
Position: Central Defender
Clubs: Atlas de Guadalajara, Monaco, FC Barcelona,
Rafael Márquez Álvarez began his career with Carlos Mauricio his brother Mexican club Atlas de Guadalajara; he debuted in 1996 at only 17 years old. That same year, French club Monaco purchased Marquez for 6 million Euros.
Márquez was an immediate success with Monaco, helping lead the team to the French title in his first season with the club. Despite pressures from larger clubs, Márquez would remain with the club until 2003, when Barcelona purchased him for 5 million Euros.
During his first season with Barca, Marquez appeared 21 times, helping the team to a second place finish in La Liga. In his second season he was moved from his usual position as a central defender to the defensive mid-field, due to some players being injured.
Marquez has been one of the Mexican national team's most important players. He started all four of the team's games in the 2002 World Cup, and has been an integral part of two World Cup Qualifying campaigns.
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