Rafael Marquez Biography

Márquez began his career with Carlos Mauricio, his brother, 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 debuting for the Mexican national team, before moving on in 1999.

In that year, French club Monaco purchased Márquez 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, Márquez would remain with the club until 2003, when Barcelona purchased him for €5 million.

In his first season with 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 typical position as a central defender to the defensive mid-field, due to injuries to players Motta, Edmilson and Gerard. He completed a great season, being one of the main players that helped Barcelona win its 17th Spanish League on May 14th, 2005 after a 1-1 tie with Levante.

Since making his international debut on February 5, 1997 against Ecuador. Márquez has been one of the Mexican national football team's most important players and captain. As a captain of his country, he started all four of the team's games in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and has been an integral part of two World Cup Qualifying campaigns. After an injury in his left knee, he returned after a month to play against Milan in the first leg of the 2006 UEFA Champions League Semifinal. Barcelona, the away team, won 1-0. On May 17, 2006, he won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, making him the first ever Mexican football player to do so.

Márquez was selected by coach Ricardo Lavolpe in the 23 Mexican squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. During the World Cup tournament, Márquez played in all four matches, and scored the lone Mexican goal in a 2-1 loss to Argentina in the Round of 16. Since Mexico's second round exit, he has spoken out about the need to encourage future Mexican football players to play in Europe to increase the competitiveness of the team.