About

Mexican football centre back and defensive midfielder, who plays for FC Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga and the Mexico national football team. One of Márquez's strengths is his versatility which allows him to play in many positions like right back, centre back or defensive midfield. However, it is clear that his best position is in the center of defense. Rafa relies on his ability to read the game and vision. This gives the impression that he's always a step ahead of the forwards. He is also known for his distinct ability at playing the long cross field pass. This is a very useful asset for all his team as it allows him to switch the attack from one side of the field to another as well as changing the focal point of the attack.

Background

Club Football

Márquez began his career at Mexican club Atlas de Guadalajara, for whom he debuted in 1996 at only 17 years old. Márquez rose to prominence while with Atlas, making 77 appearances for the team and being runner-up in the league losing the final against Club Toluca in penalties. In 1999, French club AS Monaco FC purchased him for €6 million. 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, he would remain with the Monegasque club until 2003, when FC Barcelona signed him for €5 million to revitalize their back line. [3] In doing so, he became the first Mexican to play for the La Liga giants.

In his first season with FC Barcelona, Márquez appeared 21 times, helping the team to a second place finish in La Liga. During his second season, he was moved from his natural position as a center back to a defensive midfield role, due to injuries to players Thiago Motta, Edmilson and Gerard López. He completed a great season, being one of the main players that helped Barcelona win its 17th Spanish League on May 14, 2005 after a 1-1 tie with Levante. After an injury in his left knee, he returned after a month to play against AC Milan in the first leg of the 2006 UEFA Champions League Semifinal. Barcelona, playing away at the San Siro, won 1-0. Márquez was present in the UEFA Champions Leaguefinal on May 17, 2006 for FC Barcelona, in which they won the tournament over Arsenal FC. This achievement made him the first ever Mexican football player ever to ever win a European club competition, something the legendary Hugo Sanchez was not able to do during his time in La Liga with Real Madrid. After the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Rafael Marquez renovated his contract to 38.5 million dollars for the following 4 years at Barcelona which will see his contract end in June 2010. Despite sustaining injuries, he was rumored to be up for sale at the end of the 2006-07 season. His future at Barcelona was up in the air until the 2007 Copa America, where Rafa regained his best form and was one of the best players of the competition, helping Mexico to an acceptable 3rd place.

In the 2007-2008 season, Márquez got off to an excellent start, as he managed to form an solid partnership with new signing Gabriel Milito while captain Puyol was out injured, however constant injuries threw off his form. Márquez's success declined with the rest of the season leading Barcelona to end up in 3rd place after a miserable second half where injuries lead to his contribution being negligible. Even so, it appears new coach Guardiola will continue to rely on his contributions; with the departure of Ronaldinho, Márquez has become the last original signing of the Rijkaard era to remain on the team. He appears to be Josep Guardiolas first choice at center back along with captain Puyol for the 2008-2009-season.

International Football

International Goals

Awards and Honours

Personal Awards

Career Statistics

M = Matches, G = Goals, A = Assists

Personal Info

Wife / Girlfriend

Sponsors

Important Links

References