Rafael Márquez's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Rafael Márquez.

Rafael Márquez Álvarez is a Mexican football coach and former player, widely regarded as Mexico's best defender and one of its greatest players ever. Nicknamed 'El Káiser,' he currently serves as the assistant coach for the Mexico national team. His career highlights his significance in Mexican football history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1999: Yorke Played in Champions League final

In 1999, Dwight Yorke also played in a Champions League final

1999: Márquez won the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup

In 1999, Rafael Márquez won the FIFA Confederations Cup with Mexico

2003: Márquez won the CONCACAF Gold Cup

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

2004: UNAM Wins Clausura and Apertura

UNAM won the Clausura 2004 and Apertura 2004 titles.

May 2005: Barcelona Won La Liga Title

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

2006: Barcelona Won UEFA Champions League

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

2006: Márquez won Champions League with Barcelona

In 2006, Rafael Márquez became the first Mexican player to win the Champions League when Barcelona defeated Arsenal in the final.

October 2007: Nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year

In October 2007, Rafael Márquez was included in the list of players nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award, making him the only player from CONCACAF to be nominated.

December 2008: Márquez Played 200th Match for Barcelona

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

March 2011: Márquez Reached 100 Caps for Mexico

On 29 March 2011, Rafael Márquez became the eighth player in history to reach 100 caps for Mexico in a friendly match against Venezuela.

2011: Márquez won the CONCACAF Gold Cup

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

2013: León captured the Apertura 2013 title

In 2013, León captured the Apertura 2013 title after defeating América 5–1 on aggregate, Rafael Márquez lifted his first league title in Mexico.

2013: Márquez Won Liga MX Title with León

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

2014: Márquez Won Back-to-Back Liga MX Titles

In 2014, Rafael Márquez captained León to back-to-back Liga MX titles.

2017: Hernández surpassed Márquez Champions League Record

In 2017, compatriot Javier Hernández surpassed Rafael Márquez record of 46 UEFA Champions League matches, which was the most by a Mexican or CONCACAF player.

June 2018: Named in Mexico's World Cup squad

On 4 June 2018, Rafael Márquez was named in Mexico's final 23-man squad for the World Cup, marking his fifth appearance in the tournament. He became the fourth player in history to achieve this feat, alongside Lothar Matthäus, Gianluigi Buffon, and Antonio Carbajal. He played in the match against Germany and became the third person to play at a fifth World Cup.

2018: Fifth World Cup Appearance

In 2018, Rafael Márquez became one of only four players to play for their national team in five consecutive editions of the FIFA World Cup.

September 2021: Removed from Specially Designated Nationals List

Since 22 September 2021, Rafael Márquez has been removed from the Specially Designated Nationals List and is now cleared of his name from the U.S. Treasury Department.