Rafael Garza Gutiérrez
Encyclopedia
Rafael Garza Gutiérrez, nicknamed "Récord" (born December 13, 1896; died July 3, 1974), was a Mexican football player and coach. He, along with other members of the Garza family, are recognized as the founders of Club América
. He was a defender for that club as well as the Mexican national team
. Upon retiring, he took the reins of his beloved club, served as an executive and later became the national team manager on four separate occasions.
on the particular date of the club's foundation. The club came to be when two existing clubs, Garza's "Récord" (which would later become his personal nickname) and Germán Nuñez's "Unión" joined forces on the aforementioned date.
Upon joining Mexico City's Major League (Liga Mayor) the following year, Garza led América to four consecutive championships; first as a player, and later as a player/coach during the 1920s. The last of these titles, in 1928, would be the last league trophy that América would win until the 1960s.
in 1930. After his retirement as a player, he coached the national team three more times: in 1934-35, 1937 and 1949.
Club América
Club América is a Mexican Professional football club based in Mexico City. It competes in the Primera División, the top professional league in the country. The team's nickname is Las Águilas ....
. He was a defender for that club as well as the Mexican national team
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
. Upon retiring, he took the reins of his beloved club, served as an executive and later became the national team manager on four separate occasions.
Club América
On October 12, 1916, a group of young men, which included Garza Gutiérrez, founded Club América. The squad was named in honor of the event that is celebratedColumbus Day
Many countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, which occurred on October 12, 1492, as an official holiday...
on the particular date of the club's foundation. The club came to be when two existing clubs, Garza's "Récord" (which would later become his personal nickname) and Germán Nuñez's "Unión" joined forces on the aforementioned date.
Upon joining Mexico City's Major League (Liga Mayor) the following year, Garza led América to four consecutive championships; first as a player, and later as a player/coach during the 1920s. The last of these titles, in 1928, would be the last league trophy that América would win until the 1960s.
Mexican national team
It was Garza's success at the helm of his club that brought him to the eye of people looking to create a national football team that would represent Mexico in international competitions. When the organization that would oversee this team, the FEMEXFUT, was created in 1927, Garza was elected to be the team's first head coach, although he had already been coaching the team informally since 1923. He continued at his post until 1928. He played as a defender at the first FIFA World Cup held in UruguayUruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
in 1930. After his retirement as a player, he coached the national team three more times: in 1934-35, 1937 and 1949.