Career Timeline of Rafael Márquez: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Rafael Márquez, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Rafael Márquez Álvarez, nicknamed "El Káiser," is a Mexican football coach and former player, widely regarded as Mexico's best defender and one of its greatest players. Currently the assistant coach of the Mexico national team, Márquez had a distinguished career as a defender.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 1996: Made Debut with Atlas

In October 1996, Márquez made his professional debut with Atlas at the age of 17.

1996: Began Career with Atlas

In 1996, Rafael Márquez began his professional career with Atlas, where he played in over 70 games.

February 1997: Debut with Mexico

On 5 February 1997, Márquez made his debut with the Mexico national team in a friendly match against Ecuador.

1999: Joined Monaco

After playing the 1999 Copa América with Mexico, Márquez joined French club Monaco for a reported US$6 million.

1999: Won FIFA Confederations Cup

In 1999, Márquez won the FIFA Confederations Cup with the Mexico national team.

1999: Runner-up in the League with Atlas

In 1999, while playing for Atlas, Márquez was runner-up in the league, losing the final against Toluca on penalties during the Verano tournament.

2002: Played at the World Cup and Received Red Card

In 2002, Márquez started all four of Mexico's games during the World Cup. He received a red card in the second round loss to the United States.

2002: Played in the 2002 FIFA World Cup

Rafael Márquez played for his national team in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

September 2003: Debut in La Liga with Barcelona

In September 2003, Márquez made his debut in La Liga for Barcelona against Sevilla, with the match ending in a 1–1 draw.

2003: Joined Barcelona

In 2003, Márquez joined Barcelona, becoming the first Mexican to play for the club.

2003: Won CONCACAF Gold Cup

In 2003, Márquez won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the Mexico national team.

2004: Second Team to Win Consecutive League Titles

In 2013, Márquez helped León capture their second straight league title, becoming only the second team in history, the first being UNAM in 2004, to win consecutive league titles in the short tournament era.

May 2005: Barcelona Won La Liga Title

On 14 May 2005, Barcelona, with Márquez, won its 17th league title after a 1–1 tie with Levante.

2006: Joined Team Mexico for the Gold Cup's Championship Game

After the conclusion of 2006-07 La Liga, Márquez joined the team Mexico for the Gold Cup's championship game against the United States.

2006: Played in the 2006 World Cup

In 2006, Márquez participated in the World Cup in Germany, playing in all of Mexico's opening round matches and scoring a goal against Argentina.

2006: Won UEFA Champions League with Barcelona

In 2006, Márquez won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona after defeating Arsenal 2–1 in the final. He became the first Mexican to play in and win a Champions League final.

2007: Participated in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa América

In 2007, Márquez participated in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Copa América with Mexico. He played in the Gold Cup's championship game against the United States, which Mexico lost 2–1.

December 2008: Played 200th Match for Barcelona

On 13 December 2008, Márquez played his 200th match for Barcelona in their 2–0 win against Real Madrid.

November 2009: Signed New Contract with Barcelona

In November 2009, Márquez signed a new contract with Barcelona, keeping him at the club until 2012.

February 2010: Scored First Goal Since Return

On 20 February 2010, Rafael Márquez scored his first goal since his return, against Racing Santander.

July 2010: Released from Contract by Barcelona

On 31 July 2010, Márquez was released from his contract by Barcelona.

August 2010: Signed with New York Red Bulls

In August 2010, Márquez signed with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer on a three-and-a-half-year contract. He made his MLS debut on August 8 against the Chicago Fire and scored his first goal on August 21 against Toronto FC.

2010: Interest from Juventus

After being released by Barcelona and participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Italian club Juventus showed interest in signing Márquez.

2010: Captained Mexico at the 2010 World Cup

In 2010, Márquez captained Mexico at the World Cup and scored Mexico's goal in the opening match against South Africa. He also assisted Javier Hernández in the match against France.

2010: Joined New York Red Bulls

In 2010, Márquez joined the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer.

2010: Played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Rafael Márquez played for his national team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

March 2011: Reached 100 Caps for Mexico

On 29 March 2011, Márquez earned his 100th cap for Mexico in a friendly match against Venezuela.

2011: Won CONCACAF Gold Cup

In 2011, Márquez won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the Mexico national team.

December 2012: Released by New York Red Bulls

On December 13, 2012, the New York Red Bulls released Márquez. He later described his time in the United States as "a bad decision."

2012: Returned to Mexico to Play for León

In 2012, after being released by the New York Red Bulls, Márquez returned to Mexico to play for León.

October 2013: Scored First Goal for León

On 5 October 2013, Márquez scored his first goal for León in Liga MX against Puebla, scoring a penalty kick in the 17th minute.

2013: Won Liga MX Title with León

In 2013, Márquez captained León to a Liga MX title.

2013: León Captured Apertura Title

On 15 December 2013, León captured the Apertura title after defeating América 5–1 on aggregate. Márquez, as captain, lifted his first league title in Mexico.

August 2014: Signed with Hellas Verona

On 7 August 2014, Rafael Márquez signed with Hellas Verona of Serie A. He made his league debut on August 31, starting in a goalless draw against Atalanta.

2014: Won Second Liga MX Title with León

In 2014, Márquez helped León win their second consecutive Liga MX title.

2014: Played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Rafael Márquez played for his national team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

December 2015: Transferred to Atlas

On 21 December 2015, Rafael Márquez officially transferred to Atlas, marking his return to the club where he debuted.

2015: Transferred to Hellas Verona and Returned to Atlas

In 2015, Rafael Márquez transferred to Hellas Verona of the Italian Serie A, and later returned to his boyhood club Atlas.

2018: Played in Fifth Consecutive FIFA World Cup

In 2018, Márquez became only the fourth player to participate in five consecutive FIFA World Cups for his national team.

July 2024: Departure from Barcelona Atlètic

In July 2024, Barcelona Atlètic announced Rafael Márquez's departure from the club.

July 2024: Assistant Coach for Mexico National Team

On July 22, 2024, the Mexican Football Federation announced that Rafael Márquez would become the assistant coach of the Mexico national football team, under the leadership of Javier Aguirre.