Rafael Márquez

Márquez began his career with Atlas, making his debut in October 1996 at only 17 years of age. Márquez rose to prominence while with Atlas, making 77 appearances for the team and being runner-up in the league, losing the final against Toluca on penalties during the Verano 1999 tournament.{{cite web |title= Rafael Marquez|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/11771/rafael-marquez|work=espnfc.com |publisher= ESPN |access-date=12 June 2014 }}

After playing the 1999 Copa América with Mexico, Márquez joined French club Monaco for a reported US$6 million.{{cite web |title=El Mónaco ficha un mexicano |url= http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD03/HEM/1999/08/11/MD19990811-028.pdf |publisher=Mundo Deportivo |trans-title=Monaco signs a Mexican |language=es |date=11 August 1999}} He made his debut on 14 August against Bastia. In his first season, Monaco won the Ligue 1 (then known as the French Division 1) title, with Márquez being named in the league's Team of the Season. He went on to play in 109 matches with Monaco over four seasons, winning the Coupe de la Ligue as well.{{cite web|title= Rafa Márquez y su buen recuerdo del Mónaco |url= https://mexico.as.com/mexico/2017/05/18/futbol/1495130649_838762.html |website=AS.com |date= 18 May 2017 |language=es |access-date=18 May 2017}}

File:Marques Joan Gamper Trophy.jpg

In the summer of 2003, Márquez signed for Spanish club Barcelona.{{cite web|last1= Polo|first1=F.|last2=Villarrubia| first2=B.|title=¡Hola Márquez! |url= http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD03/PUB/2003/07/08/EMD20030708004MDP.pdf |publisher=Mundo Deportivo |language=es |date=8 June 2003}} He made his debut in La Liga on 3 September 2003 against Sevilla, the match ending in a 1–1 draw. On 9 November, he scored his first goal for Barcelona in their 2–1 victory over Real Betis.{{cite web|last=Ortiz| first=Fabián|title=Marcó Kluivert y sentenció Márquez |url= https://as.com/masdeporte/2003/11/10/polideportivo/1068441284_850215.html |website=AS.com | date=10 November 2003|language= es |access-date=10 November 2003}} In his first season with Barcelona, Márquez made 22 league appearances (31 across all competitions) as the team finished second in the league, five points behind Valencia.

During his second season, he was moved from his natural position as a centre-back to a defensive midfield role, due to injuries to players Thiago Motta, Edmílson and Gerard. That year, Barcelona won its 17th league title on 14 May 2005 after a 1–1 tie with Levante. A month after an injury to his left knee, Márquez returned to play against A.C. Milan in the first leg of the 2006 UEFA Champions League semi-final. Barcelona, playing away at the San Siro, won 1–0. On 17 May, Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League after defeating Arsenal 2–1 in the final, with Márquez playing the entire match. He became the first Mexican to play in a Champions League final and the first to win it. Following his participation with Mexico at the 2006 World Cup, Márquez signed a four-year contract extension with Barcelona, with the buy-out clause set at €100 million.{{cite web|title=Márquez signs new deal |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/la-liga/2005-2006/marquez-signs-new-deal_sto915855/story.shtml |website=Eurosport |date=27 June 2006 |access-date=28 June 2006}}

During the 2007–08 season, Márquez formed a partnership with new signing Gabriel Milito while captain Carles Puyol was out injured. Constant injuries, however, threw off his form. Márquez's success declined with the rest of the season, leading Barcelona to end up in third place in La Liga after a miserable second half where injuries lead to his contribution being negligible. Even so, new coach Pep Guardiola continued to rely on his contributions; with the departure of Ronaldinho, Márquez had become the last original signing of the Frank Rijkaard era to remain on the team. In October 2007, Márquez was included in the list of players nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award, the only player from the CONCACAF to be nominated.{{cite web|title=Rafa Márquez candidato al mejor del año |date=11 October 2007 |url=https://www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/noticia/303552.rafa-marquez-candidato-al-mejor-del-ano.html |publisher=El Siglo de Torreón |language=es |access-date=11 October 2007}}

File:Rafael Márquez.jpg

Márquez was Guardiola's first-choice at centre-back along with captain Puyol for the 2008–09 season. On 13 December 2008, Márquez played his 200th match for Barcelona in their 2–0 win against Real Madrid.{{cite web| last=Segura|first=Anna|title= Márquez, el mejor día para hacer 200 partidos |url= http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/castellano/noticies/futbol/temporada08-09/12/n081214106601.html |publisher=FC Barcelona |language=es |access-date=14 December 2008}} On 28 April 2009, during Barcelona's 2008–09 Champions League semi-final match against Chelsea, Márquez sustained a knee injury which required surgery, meaning he would miss the remainder of the season.{{cite web |first= Stephen| last= Crawford|title= Barcelona Defender Rafael Marquez Out for the Season|url= https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/88/spain/2009/04/28/1235575/barcelona-defender-rafael-marquez-out-for-the-season|publisher= Goal.com|date= 28 April 2009|quote= Barcelona centre-back Rafael Marquez has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury in Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Chelsea.|access-date=27 July 2009}} Barcelona would go on to complete a historic treble after winning the Champions League final 2–0 against Manchester United.

Prior to the 2009–10 season, Márquez received an offer from Italian Serie A club Fiorentina.{{cite web|title= Bueno, bonito y barato|url= http://msn.foxsports.com/fse/historia/futbol/usa/mls/9682070/Bueno,-bonito-y-barato?MSNLATINOHPHMA|publisher= Fox Sports en Español|trans-title= Good, pretty and cheap|language= es|date= 14 June 2009|quote= Florentina ha mostrado su interés formal en el mexicano Rafael Márquez..." ["Florentina have formally demonstrated their interest in the Mexican Rafael Márquez...]|access-date= 27 July 2009|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090720022038/http://msn.foxsports.com/fse/historia/futbol/usa/mls/9682070/Bueno,-bonito-y-barato?MSNLATINOHPHMA|archive-date= 20 July 2009|df= dmy-all}} Márquez, however, said he wanted to end his career at Barcelona.{{cite web |title= Marquez nears return|url= https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/marquez-nears-return |work= The World Game|publisher= SBS|date= 30 April 2014|quote= It would be my wish to retire at Barca. I'm very calm with regards the contract renewal. I know that we will arrive at an agreement, so it's only a question of time.|access-date=21 April 2020}} Márquez eventually signed a new contract with Barça in November 2009 that would keep him at the club until 2012.{{cite web |title= Marquez signs new Barca deal|url= http://www.ontheminute.com/marquez-signs-new-barca-deal/19516| publisher= Ontheminute.com|date= 30 November 2009|access-date=21 April 2020}} On 20 February 2010, he scored his first goal since his return against Racing Santander.

On 31 July 2010, Márquez was released from his contract by Barcelona.{{cite news|url=https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idINIndia-50545320100731|title=Barcelona release Mexico captain Marquez|work=Reuters News|last=Silva|first=Jorge|date=31 July 2010|access-date=21 April 2020}} During his time with the club, he played in 242 matches and scored 13 goals, making him the most-capped non-European player in the club's history and the eighth-most capped foreigner.{{cite web|title= Adeu al viute estranger amb mes partits|url= http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/08/01/n100731112233.html|archive-url= https://archive.today/20120729230429/http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/08/01/n100731112233.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 29 July 2012|publisher= fcbarcelona.cat| date= 1 August 2010|access-date= 11 October 2010}} In his 12-year European career, Márquez appeared in 46 UEFA Champions League matches, which was the most by a Mexican or CONCACAF player,{{cite web |title= Márquez, Chicharito, Sánchez: CONCACAF's European stars|url= https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0e99c98c8b37-3d63b084a710-1000--keylor-navas-christian-pulisic-jonathan-david-atiba-hutchins/|publisher=UEFA|date= 20 January 2016| access-date=27 March 2016}} until compatriot Javier Hernández surpassed that record in 2017.{{cite web |title= Chicharito, el mexicano con más partidos en Champions League |url=https://www.goal.com/s/es-co/news/4573/internacional/2017/02/21/32929942/chicharito-el-mexicano-con-más-partidos-en-champions-league |website=Goal.com |language= es |access-date=21 February 2017}} At the time, Márquez was also one of two players from CONCACAF to play in a Champions League final, the other being Trinidad and Tobago's Dwight Yorke for Manchester United in 1999.

File:RafaelMarquezAlvarez.jpg

After seven years with and being released by Barcelona and participating at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it was reported that Italian club Juventus were interested in signing Márquez as a back-up for defender Leonardo Bonucci.{{cite web|last=Landolina|first= Salvatore|url= http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2010/07/09/2017418/juventus-monitor-barcelona-defender-rafael-marquez |title=Juventus Monitor Barcelona Defender Rafael Marquez| website=Goal.com|date=27 November 2015|access-date=2 December 2015}}

On 1 August 2010, it was announced that Márquez had signed with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer on a three-and-a-half-year contract.{{cite web|title=New York Red Bulls sign Mexico National Team captain Rafa Marquez|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2010/08/new-york-red-bulls-sign-mexican-national-team-captain-rafa-marquez|publisher=New York Red Bulls|access-date=1 August 2010|archive-date=5 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805000842/http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2010/08/new-york-red-bulls-sign-mexican-national-team-captain-rafa-marquez|url-status=dead}} He was the club's third Designated Player and was unveiled to the media at Red Bull Arena on 3 August wearing the number 4 jersey and reuniting with former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry. On 8 August, Márquez made his MLS debut against the Chicago Fire in a scoreless draw. On 21 August, Márquez scored his first goal, an astonishing shot with his right foot, for the Red Bulls in a 4–1 win at Toronto FC. On 21 October, Márquez started for the Red Bulls in a 2–0 victory over New England Revolution which clinched the regular season Eastern Conference title.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/red-bulls-beat-revs-clinch-eastern-conference|title=Red Bulls Beat Revs, Clinch Eastern Conference|website=Major League Soccer|access-date=22 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101023070503/http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/red-bulls-beat-revs-clinch-eastern-conference|archive-date=23 October 2010|url-status=dead}}

New York released Márquez on 13 December 2012.[http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2012/12/defender-rafa-marquez-released-new-york-red-bulls Defender Rafa Marquez Released by] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214014940/http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2012/12/defender-rafa-marquez-released-new-york-red-bulls |date=14 December 2012 }}. New York Red Bulls (2 August 2010). Retrieved on 2 December 2015. His stint in New York was heavily criticized by many fans and journalists for his constant injuries, suspensions and perceived lack of commitment to the fans and club.{{cite news|last1=Isola|first1=Frank|title=Rafa Marquez continues tradition of throwing cheap shots at American players|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2011/10/30/2735801/frank-isola-rafa-marquez-continues-tradition-of-throwing|access-date=30 July 2014|publisher=Goal.com|date=30 October 2011}}{{cite web|last=Parker|first=Graham|title=Was Rafael Márquez the worst ever MLS designated player?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/dec/13/rafael-rafa-marquez-new-york-red-bulls-mls-flops|work=The Guardian|date=13 December 2012 |access-date=13 December 2012}} Márquez later revealed in an interview with ESPN Deportes that going to play in the United States was "a bad decision" and called it the worst decision he ever made in his career. He said that he had misjudged the arc of his career, believing it was declining faster than it was, and that he regretted declining offers from various European clubs, including one from Italian side Juventus.{{cite web|title=Márquez considera que el Mundial de Brasil será el más complicado| date=21 May 2014 |url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/news/story?id=2092217|publisher=ESPN Deportes|access-date=21 May 2014}}

Hours after being released by the New York Red Bulls, it was announced that Márquez signed with Liga MX side León, returning to his home country after 13 years abroad.{{cite web| last=Slane|first=Mike|title=Rafa Marquez signs with Leon| url= https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2012/12/13/3600629/rafa-marquez-signs-with-leon|publisher= Goal.com |access-date=1 May 2020}} It would not be until 5 October 2013 that Márquez scored his first goal for León in the Liga MX against Puebla, scoring a penalty kick in the 17th minute.

On 15 December, León captured the Apertura 2013 title after defeating América 5–1 on aggregate.{{cite web|last=Terán|first=Juan Manuel|date=15 December 2013|title=La Fiera logró rugido de Campeón|url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/mexico/cronicas/2013/12/15/la-fiera-logro-rugido-de-campeon_51501|publisher=Medio Tiempo|access-date=16 December 2013}} Márquez, the club captain, played in both legs as he lifted his first league title in Mexico, more than 14 years after losing the final against Toluca when he played in Atlas.{{cite web|title=León Rugió en el Estadio Azteca y es Campeón de la Liga BBVA Bancomer|url=http://www.ligamx.net/home/noticia.html?id=6190|publisher=Liga MX official website|language=es|access-date=15 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227191019/http://www.ligamx.net/home/noticia.html?id=6190|archive-date=27 February 2014}} The following tournament, Márquez helped León capture their second straight league title, becoming only the second team in history to win consecutive league titles in the short tournament era, the first being UNAM, who won the Clausura 2004 and Apertura 2004.{{cite web|last=Ramos Villegrana|first=Rafael|title=Rafa Márquez: Architect of his utopias| date=7 August 2014|url= https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37400055/architect-utopias | publisher=ESPN|access-date=1 May 2020}} He also became the first Mexican footballer to win league titles in three countries.

On 7 August 2014, Hellas Verona of Serie A signed Márquez on undisclosed terms.{{cite news|title=Transfer news: Hellas Verona have secured the services of Rafael Marquez|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/29145/9409892/transfer-news-hellas-verona-have-secured-the-services-of-rafael-marquez|access-date=19 October 2014|publisher=Sky Sports News|date=7 August 2014}} He stated that he had taken a pay cut to join the club as he was desperate to return to Europe.{{cite news|title=Rafael Marquez Reveals Salary Cut to Join Hellas Verona|url=http://www.beinsports.tv/soccer/article/1l5omx2yo4v6x1d5ufhc23qdkj/title/rafael-marquez-reveals-salary-cut-to-join-hellas-verona|access-date=19 October 2014|work=beIN Sports}} Márquez made his league debut on 31 August, starting as Verona played out a goalless draw at home against Atalanta.{{cite news|title=Italian Serie A report: Verona held by Atalanta|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/323216/report|access-date=19 October 2014|publisher=Sky Sports News|date=31 August 2014}}

On 21 December 2015, it was announced that Márquez had officially transferred to Atlas, returning to the club he debuted with.{{cite web|title=Official: Marquez joines Atlas |url=http://www.football-italia.net/77430/official-marquez-joins-atlas |website=Football Italia |date=21 December 2015 |access-date=21 December 2015}} He was handed the number 4 shirt.

On 19 April 2018, Márquez announced that he would retire at the end of the season. He did, however, state his intention of representing Mexico at the World Cup.{{cite news| last=Mancera|first=Diego|title= Rafael Márquez se retira |url= https://elpais.com/deportes/2018/04/19/actualidad/1524167520_875822.html |trans-title=Rafael Márquez to retire |work=El País |date=19 April 2018 |language=es |access-date=19 April 2018}} Márquez played his final match at the Estadio Jalisco on 20 April, a 1–0 victory in the Clásico Tapatío against Guadalajara. The following week, Márquez played his final club match against Pachuca at the Estadio Hidalgo, which ended in a 0–0 draw.{{cite news|url=http://ligamx.net/cancha/detallenoticia/25047/rafael-marquez-cerro-su-carrera-a-nivel-de-clubes|title=Rafael Márquez Cerró su Carrera a Nivel de Clubes|language=es|trans-title=Rafael Márquez finished his career at the club level|date=28 April 2018|access-date=28 April 2018}}

File:On the day of the keeper Ochoa 04.jpg at the 2014 FIFA World Cup]]

Márquez made his debut with Mexico on 5 February 1997 in a friendly match against Ecuador. It was reported that his call-up was due to an error made by national team coach Bora Milutinović, who wanted to call up fellow Atlas player César Márquez.{{cite web|title=Los diez momentos en la carrera de Rafael Márquez |url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/2975582/los-10-momentos-en-la-carrera-de-rafael-marquez |website=ESPN Deportes |date=12 February 2017 |language=es |access-date=14 February 2017}} Márquez became a regular call-up for Mexico, although he was not chosen for the 1998 FIFA World Cup squad. Márquez played various tournaments with the national team, winning the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup and losing to Canada at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Márquez started all four of Mexico's games during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, where he was given the captain's armband by then coach Javier Aguirre despite his young age of 23. He received a red card during Mexico's second round 2–0 loss to the United States for a deliberate mid-air head butt on Cobi Jones in the final minutes of the match.

Márquez was selected by Ricardo La Volpe for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Márquez played in all of three of Mexico's opening round matches, and scored the lone Mexican goal in a 2–1 loss to Argentina in the second round off a Pável Pardo free kick which was headed to the far post by Mario Méndez, allowing an unmarked Márquez to strike the ball into the back of the net. The winner was scored by Maxi Rodríguez in extra time after Hernán Crespo had equalised for Argentina.{{cite news|title=Argentina 2–1 Mexico (aet)|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991492.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 June 2006}}

New Mexico coach Hugo Sánchez called-up Márquez to participate in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2007 Copa América. Márquez joined up with the team Mexico for the Gold Cup's championship game against the United States after the conclusion of 2006–07 La Liga; he started the match, which Mexico lost 2–1.{{cite news|last=Dodd|first=Mike|title=U.S. continues dominance vs. Mexico in Gold Cup final|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2007-06-24-usa-mexico-goldcup_N.htm|newspaper=USA TODAY|access-date=25 June 2007}}

Márquez captained Mexico at the 2010 World Cup, scoring Mexico's goal in the tournament's opening match against South Africa which ended in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|last1= Clarke|last2=Raghavan|first1=Liz| first2=Sudarsan|title=World Cup 2010: Host South Africa tie Mexico,1–1, in opener|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/11/AR2010061103463.html|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=12 June 2010}} In Mexico's 2–0 win against France, Márquez assisted Javier Hernández in Mexico's first goal.{{cite news|last=Glendenning|first=Barry|title=World Cup 2010: France v Mexico – as it happened|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/17/world-cup-2010-france-mexico-live|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=17 June 2010}}

On 29 March 2011, Márquez became the eighth player in history to reach 100 caps for Mexico in a friendly match against Venezuela, where Mexico drew 1–1.{{cite news | url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/new-york-red-bulls-marquez-triumphs-100th-mexico-cap-1534941 | title=New York Red Bulls' Marquez triumphs in 100th Mexico cap | work=TribalFootball.com | date=29 March 2011 | first=Andrew | last=Slevison | access-date=10 October 2012}}

During Mexico's opening match at the 2014 World Cup – a 1–0 win over Cameroon – Márquez became the first player to captain a team in four World Cups. On 23 June, he scored the opening goal in the 3–1 win against Croatia, thus advancing to the knockout stage.{{cite news|last= Sanghera|first=Mandeep|url= https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285326|title=Croatia 1–3 Mexico |date=23 June 2014|access-date=24 June 2014|work=BBC}} This goal made Márquez the first Mexican player to score in three consecutive World Cups, and the second Mexican player ever to score in three World Cups after Cuauhtémoc Blanco.{{cite news|last=Torres|first=José Antonio |url= http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20140624/futbol/rafael-marquez-iguala-a-cuauhtemoc-blanco-al-marcar-en-tres-mundiales_54410245674.html|title=Rafael Márquez iguala a Cuauhtémoc Blanco al marcar en tres mundiales|date=24 June 2014|access-date=24 June 2014|language=es|work=El Mundo Deportivo}}

In May 2015, it was announced Márquez was included in the 23-man squad that would participate in the Copa América tournament in Chile.{{cite web|last=Perisco|first=Luca|date=12 May 2015|title=Mexico Head Coach Miguel Herrera names 23 man squad for 2015 Copa América|url=http://www.sambafoot.com/en/news/72058_mexico_head_coach_miguel_herrera_names_23_man_squad_for_2015_copa_america.html|website=sambafoot.com|access-date=3 June 2015}} He was selected to start as captain in Mexico's opening fixture of the tournament, a 0–0 draw with Bolivia in Viña del Mar.{{cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Alicia|title=Mexico struggle in 0–0 draw against Bolivia to open Copa America play|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/06/12/mexico-struggle-0-0-draw-against-bolivia-open-copa-america-play|website=MLSSoccer.com|date=12 June 2015|access-date=13 June 2015|archive-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616174158/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/06/12/mexico-struggle-0-0-draw-against-bolivia-open-copa-america-play|url-status=dead}} The following year, Márquez captained Mexico at the Copa América Centenario, scoring in their opening game a 3–1 victory over Uruguay.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/jun/05/copa-america-mexico-uruguay-group-c-latest-score|title=Mexico 3-1 Uruguay: Copa América – as it happened|newspaper=The Guardian|date=6 June 2016|last1=Echegaray|first1=Luis Miguel}}

File:Mex-Kor_(51).jpg at the 2018 FIFA World Cup]]

On 11 November 2016, in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Columbus, Ohio, Márquez scored the winning goal for Mexico in the 89th minute to seal a 2–1 victory over the United States.

Appearing in Mexico's second group-stage match against New Zealand at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, Márquez – at 38 years and four months – became the second-oldest player to appear in a match in Confederations Cup history. He was also making his first appearance at the tournament since 2005, setting new record for most years between consecutive matches with twelve.{{cite web|title=Mexico survive scare to edge past New Zealand |date=21 June 2017 |url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/fifa-confederations-cup/2017/mexico-v-new-zealand-live_sto6225793/story.shtml |publisher=Eurosport |access-date=21 June 2017}}

On 4 June 2018, Marquez was named in Mexico's final 23-man squad for the World Cup.{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/miseleccionmx/status/1003503195367321602|title=Selección Nacional on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=4 June 2018|language=en}} This meant he would travel to his fifth World Cup finals, becoming only the fourth player in history to do so, alongside German Lothar Matthäus, Italian Gianluigi Buffon and fellow Mexican Antonio Carbajal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/statistics-and-records/worldcup/players/index.html|title=Statistics and Records – FIFA World Cup – Players|publisher=FIFA|access-date=4 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108042854/https://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/statistics-and-records/worldcup/players/index.html|archive-date=8 November 2018|url-status=dead}} He was substituted in for Andrés Guardado at the 74th minute in Mexico's 1–0 win over defending-champions Germany, and became the third man in history to play at a fifth World Cup.{{cite web|title=Mexico's Rafa Marquez 'in great shape' after joining elite World Cup group |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/mexico/story/3530131/mexicos-rafa-marquez-becomes-third-man-to-play-at-five-world-cups|work=ESPN |date=17 June 2018|access-date=21 June 2018}} On 2 July, in Mexico's round of 16 match against Brazil, Márquez became the first player ever to play as a captain in five World Cups and was substituted off at half-time, marking his last appearance as a professional.{{cite web|title=Rafa Márquez y su amargo retiro del futbol|url=http://www.milenio.com/deportes/futbol/rafael-marquez-se-retiro-de-las-canchas|work=Milenio|date=7 February 2018 |access-date=2 July 2018}}

Following his retirement, he was introduced as Atlas' new sporting president, succeeding Fabricio Bassa.{{cite web|title=Rafael Marquez to take the role of sporting president at Atlas|url=https://www.fmfstateofmind.com/2018/7/10/17554314/rafael-marquez-to-take-the-role-of-sporting-president-at-atlas-liga-mx|work=FMF State of Mind|first=Rafael|last=Diaz|date=10 July 2018|access-date=7 August 2018}}{{cite web|title=Rafa Marquez: Atlas DNA similar to that of Barcelona|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37559599/rafa-marquez-says-atlas-dna-similar-barcelona|work=ESPN|first=Tom|last=Marshall|date=7 August 2018|access-date=7 August 2018}} He held the position until May 2019.{{cite web|title=Rafa Márquez anuncia que dejará de ser el director deportivo del Atlas |url=https://www.economiahoy.mx/deportes-eAm-mx/noticias/9894652/05/19/Rafa-Marquez-anuncia-que-dejara-de-ser-el-director-deportivo-del-Atlas.html |website=Economíahoy.mx |language=es |access-date=13 May 2019}} In October 2021, Márquez joined the TUDN network as an analyst and commentator for national team games.{{Cite web|last=egonzalezd|date=2021-10-31|title=Rafael Márquez, nuevo comentarista de TUDN para los partidos de la Selección Mexicana|url=https://www.record.com.mx/empelotados/rafael-marquez-nuevo-comentarista-de-tudn-para-los-partidos-de-la-seleccion-mexicana|access-date=2022-02-14|website=Record.com.mx|language=es}}

On 8 April 2020, Márquez was appointed as a youth coach at Alcalá, taking care of the Cadete A (under 15) squad for the 2020–21 season.{{Cite web |title=Rafa Márquez se suma al proyecto de cantera de la RSD Alcalá |url=https://www.rsdalcala.com/noticias/rafa-marquez-se-suma-al-proyecto-de-cantera-de-la-rsd-alcala/ |access-date=14 July 2022 |website=RSD Alcalá |language=es}}{{Cite web |date=8 April 2020 |title=Rafa Márquez returns to Spain... As a coach of Alcalá |url=https://www.fcbarcelonanoticias.com/en/fc-barcelona/rafa-marquez-returns-to-spain-as-coach-alcala_259665_102.html |access-date=13 July 2022 |website=FC Barcelona Noticias}}

On 14 July 2022, Márquez was appointed head coach of Barcelona Atlètic, signing a two-year contract.{{Cite web |date=14 July 2022 |title=Rafa Márquez appointed coach of Barça Atlétic |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/2677472/rafa-marquez-appointed-coach-of-barca-atletic |access-date=14 July 2022 |publisher=FC Barcelona}} In his first season in charge, he led Barça Atlètic to a fourth place finish, qualifying for the promotional playoffs before being eliminated by Real Madrid Castilla 5–4 on aggregate. On 14 June 2023, it was announced that Márquez would continue with the team, signing an extension.{{cite web|title=Rafa Márquez to continue as coach of Barça Atlètic |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/barca-b/news/3535900/rafa-marquez-to-continue-as-coach-of-barca-atletic |publisher=FC Barcelona |access-date=14 June 2023}} On 21 July 2024, Barcelona Atlètic announced Rafael's departure of the club.

=== Mexico ===

On 22 July 2024, the Mexican Football Federation announced Márquez to be the assistant coach of the Mexico national football team led by Javier Aguirre.{{cite web|url=https://miseleccion.mx/noticias/5579/Javier-Aguirre-y-Rafael-M%C3%A1rquez-se-unen-a-la-SNM-para-el-Proyecto-2030|title=Rafa Márquez, auxiliar de Selección Mexicana oficial|publisher=miseleccion|date=22 July 2024}}

Capable of playing as a centre-back, sweeper, or defensive midfielder, Márquez is widely considered to be one of Mexico's greatest-ever players. He has been described as elegant on the ball and in his tackling, possessing excellent technical ability and vision, tactical awareness, dependable in the air for both defending and attacking, and being skillful coming out of defense. Affectionately nicknamed the "Kaiser of Michoacan", he also stood out for his leadership ability.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37495646/rafa-marquez-return-mexico-world-cup-squad-looking-likely-juan-carlos-osorio |title=Rafa Marquez has retired but will he still play for Mexico at the World Cup? |publisher=ESPN FC |last1=Marshall |first1=Tom |date=1 May 2018 |access-date=17 May 2020 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/37583516/how-first-matchday-post-coronavirus-lockdown-looked |title=Tactics Board: Alves, Marquez, Robben |publisher=ESPN FC |last1=Jolly |first1=Richard |date=14 June 2014 |access-date=17 May 2020 }}{{cite web |url=https://soccer.nbcsports.com/tag/rafa-marquez/ |title=Marquez closer to 5th World Cup after making preliminary Mexico squad |publisher=NBC Sports |date=14 May 2018 |access-date=17 May 2020 }}{{cite news |url=https://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/25/a-tadpole-in-rafas-big-pond/ |title=A Tadpole in Rafa's Big Pond |work=The New York Times |last1=Ream |first1=Tim |date=25 April 2011 |access-date=16 May 2020 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/nov/01/championsleague1 |title=Player ratings |work=The Guardian |last1=Brodkin |first1=Jon |date=1 November 2006 |access-date=17 May 2020 }} In 2024, La Liga included Márquez in its Barcelona best eleven of the 21st century.{{cite news|url= https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/espana/nota/_/id/13114941/rafael-marquez-tendencia-once-ideal-barceloa-siglo-21 |title=Rafael Márquez, tendencia tras aparecer en once ideal del Barcelona |publisher=ESPN Deportes|language=es|date=18 January 2024|access-date=21 January 2024}}

Márquez's father, Rafael Márquez Esqueda, was also a professional football player in Mexico. Rafael married Mexican actress Adriana Lavat in December 2001 and had two children, Santiago Rafael and Rafaela, before separating in 2007 and divorcing.[http://www.tvyespectaculos.com/2007/11/15/adriana-lavat-y-rafa-marquez-firman-divorcio-por-separado Adriana Lavat y Rafa Márquez firman divorcio por separado] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809195355/http://www.tvyespectaculos.com/2007/11/15/adriana-lavat-y-rafa-marquez-firman-divorcio-por-separado/ |date=9 August 2009 }}. Tvyespectaculos.com (15 November 2007). Retrieved on 2 December 2015. He is now married to Jaydy Michel, ex-wife of singer Alejandro Sanz.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090724042446/http://www.vefutbol.com.mx/notas/16792.html Jaydy Michel, blaugrana de corazón]. vefutbol.com.mx (26 May 2006) His younger cousin, Luis Alberto Márquez, is also a professional footballer. Luis developed in Atlas' rival club, Guadalajara{{cite web|url=http://www.chivasdecorazon.com.mx/noticias/17095/el-perfil-de-cantera-luis-alberto-mrquez-quezada|title=El perfil de cantera: Luis Alberto Márquez Quezada|date=12 September 2012|website=Chivas}} and also played for Zacatepec.{{cite web|url=http://www.ascensomx.net/cancha/jugador/79104/eyJpZENsdWIiOiAxMDQ0OH0=/luis-alberto-marquez-quezada|title=ASCENSO MX – Página Oficial de la Liga del Fútbol Profesional en México .: Bienvenido|first=LIGA MX / ASCENSO|last=MX|website=www.ascensomx.net|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113172349/http://www.ascensomx.net/cancha/jugador/79104/eyJpZENsdWIiOiAxMDQ0OH0=/luis-alberto-marquez-quezada|url-status=dead}}

He appeared on the North American cover of FIFA 12 alongside Wayne Rooney and Landon Donovan.{{cite web |title=FIFA 12 North American Cover Stars Revealed! |url=https://www.ea.com/news/fifa-12-na-cover-1 |publisher=EA |first=Nemanja |last=Trapara |date=August 8, 2011 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-date=August 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812035449/http://www.ea.com/news/fifa-12-na-cover-1 |url-status=live }}

In October 2017, Márquez helped found Asociación Mexicana de Futbolistas (Mexican Footballers Association).{{cite web | url=https://fifpro.org/en/who-we-are/fifpro-members/mexican-union-amfpro-five-years-of-success-and-a-collective-agreement-in-its-sights/ | title=Mexican union AMFpro: Five years of success and a collective agreement in its sights - FIFPRO World Players' Union }}

On 9 August 2017, it was reported that Márquez was among 22 people sanctioned under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (also known as the "Kingpin Act") by the United States Treasury Department for alleged ties to a drug trafficking organization allegedly headed by Raúl Flores Hernández,{{Cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com/mexican-liga-mx/story/3175961/mexicos-rafael-marquez-among-22-sanctioned-for-drug-trafficking-ties|title=Mexico's Rafael Marquez among 22 sanctioned for drug trafficking ties|work=ESPNFC.com|access-date=9 August 2017}} a suspected drug trafficker with links to the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He was placed on a Specially Designated Nationals List by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Nine businesses, including a soccer school and charitable foundation, were linked to Márquez by the OFAC. All 22 people were accused of providing support to, or being under the control of Flores Hernández.

According to the OFAC, Márquez conducted money laundering by acting as a strawperson for Flores Hernández and his criminal organization. They alleged that Márquez used businessmen Mauricio Heredia Horner and Marco Antonio Fregoso González to act for or on his behalf. Márquez's assets "that are under U.S. jurisdiction or are in the control of U.S. persons" would be frozen.{{cite web|title=Treasury Sanctions Longtime Mexican Drug Kingpin Raul Flores Hernandez and His Vast Network|url=https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0144.aspx|publisher=United States Department of the Treasury|date=9 August 2017|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813052500/https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0144.aspx|archive-date=13 August 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=Draper|first1= Kevin|last2=Malkin|first2=Elisabeth|title=Mexico's Rafael Márquez Accused of Aiding Drug Kingpin |url =https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/08/09/sports/soccer/rafa-marquez-mexico-drugs.html? |work=The New York Times |date=9 August 2017 |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819150724/https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/08/09/sports/soccer/rafa-marquez-mexico-drugs.html |archive-date=19 August 2017 |url-status=dead }} The Mexican Attorney General's Office said in a statement that Márquez came voluntarily to their offices to provide a statement that same day.{{cite web |title=Soccer star Marquez, singer Alvarez among targets of sanctions for alleged drug ties |url=http://abc7.com/sports/soccer-star-marquez-singer-alvarez-sanctioned-for-alleged-drug-ties/2289974/ |website=abc7.com |publisher=ABC |date=9 August 2017 |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810052058/http://abc7.com/sports/soccer-star-marquez-singer-alvarez-sanctioned-for-alleged-drug-ties/2289974/ |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Since 22 September 2021 he has been removed from the list and is now clear of his name from the U.S. Treasury Department.{{Cite web|title=Kingpin Act Designations; Counter Narcotics Designations Updates and Removals; Somalia Designation Update|url=https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210922|access-date=2022-02-14|website=U.S. Department of the Treasury|language=en}}

{{notelist}}

Appearances and goals by national team and year

Sources:{{cite web|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/4358/Rafael_Marquez.html|title=Rafael Márquez – National Football Teams|website=National Football Teams|access-date=23 June 2018}}

International goals

:Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first.{{cite web |last1=Passo Alpuin |first1=Luis Fernando |title=Rafael Márquez - Century of International Appearances |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/rmarquez-intl.html |website=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation}}

{{updated|match played 23 June 2024}}

Monaco{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/rafael-marquez-alvarez/416/|title=R. Márquez|work=Soccerway|access-date=3 January 2016}}

• French Division 1: 1999–2000
• Trophée des Champions: 2000
• Coupe de la Ligue: 2002–03

Barcelona

• La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10
• Copa del Rey: 2008–09
• Supercopa de España: 2005, 2006, 2009
• UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09
• UEFA Super Cup: 2009
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2009

New York Red Bulls

• Eastern Conference Regular Season: 2010

León

• Liga MX: Apertura 2013, Clausura 2014

Mexico

• FIFA Confederations Cup: 1999
• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2003, 2011
• CONCACAF Cup: 2015

Individual

• Mexican Primera División Best Defender: Verano 1999{{cite web | url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/mexpoy.html | title=Mexico - Citlalli/Bal�n de Oro - Mexican League Awards }}
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2000
• French Division 1 Best Defender: 2001
• CONCACAF Best Player: 2005
• IFFHS Third Most Popular Player in the World: 2006
• FIFPro World XI Nomination: 2006{{cite web | url=https://fifpro.org/en/supporting-players/player-influence/world11/history-the-fifpro-world-11-of-2005-2006 | title=History - the FIFPRO World 11 of 2005-2006 - FIFPRO World Players' Union }}
• FIFA World Player of the Year Nominations: 2006, 2007
• FIFA Fair Play Award: 2007 (With Barcelona)
• Premios Juventud Most Electrifying Male Player: 2007
• Free Kick Masters: 2008
• Tecate Premios Deportes Best Center-back: 2009{{cite web | url=https://myboxingfans.com/2009/07/tecate-sports-awards-are-a-knockout/ | title=Tecate Sports Awards are a Knockout! | MyBoxingFans - Boxing News | date=7 July 2009 | access-date=20 January 2024 | archive-date=20 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120013138/https://myboxingfans.com/2009/07/tecate-sports-awards-are-a-knockout/ | url-status=dead }}
• Tecate Premios Deportes Best XI: 2009
• Gazzetta Sports World Team of the Year: 2009 (With Barcelona)
• IFFHS World Club Team of the Year: 2009 (With Barcelona)
• World Soccer Men's World Team of the Year: 2009 (With Barcelona)
• Ballon d'Or Nomination: 2010{{cite web | url=https://en.as.com/soccer/how-many-mexican-players-have-been-nominated-for-the-ballon-dor-complete-list-n/ | title=How many Mexican players have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or? Complete list | date=18 October 2022 }}
• IFFHS World's Best Club of the Decade: 2001-2010 (With Barcelona)
• Copa Gol Marketing Best Player: 2011
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Fair Play Trophy: 2011 (With Mexico)
• FIFA World Cup Man Of The Match: 23 June 2014
• CONCACAF Best XI: 2016{{cite web|title=Bryan Ruiz and Alex Morgan Named 2016 CONCACAF Players of the Year|url=http://www.concacaf.com/article/bryan-ruiz-and-alex-morgan-named-2016-concacaf-players-of-the-year|website=CONCACAF|access-date=18 January 2017|date=18 January 2017}}
• Liga MX Balón de Oro Responsabilidad Social: 2017{{cite web | url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/marquez-balon-oro-labor-social-ojo-huracan | title=Márquez: De Balón de Oro por labor social, al ojo del huracán }}
• IFFHS CONCACAF Men's Team of All Time: 2021
• Salón De La Fama Del Fútbol Internacional: 2023{{cite web | url=https://www.marca.com/mx/futbol/liga-mx/2023/10/11/65261895ca4741dc518b45a8.html | title=Rafael Márquez y su emoción al ingresar al Salón de la Fama 2023: "Si volviera a nacer haría lo mismo" | date=11 October 2023 }}
• IFFHS Men's All Time Mexico Dream Team{{cite web|website=iffhs.com|date=24 February 2022

|url=https://iffhs.com/posts/1709|title=IFFHS Post the Mexico all time dream team}}

• Barcelona Historic XI: 21st century{{cite web | url=https://sport.news.am/eng/news/146865/barca-historic-xi-in-21st-century-announced.html | title=Barca historic XI in 21st century announced | NEWS.am Sport - All about sports }}
• UEFA Champions League Mexican Players All-Time XI{{cite web|title = once ideal de mexas que lograron jugar esta histórica competencia|url = https://www.instagram.com/p/DINRwkwsDBN/|website = Instagram|publisher = jovenesfutbolistasmx_}}

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of FC Barcelona players

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://www.rafamarquez.com.mx}} {{in lang|es}}
• {{Liga MX player|14395|Rafael Márquez Álvarez}}
• {{MedioTiempo|rafael-marquez_1}}
• {{ESPN FC}}
• {{Soccerway}}
• {{NFT}}

{{2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup Team of the Tournament}}

{{Navboxes

|title=Mexico squads

|bg = #016549

|fg = White

|bordercolor =#CE1126

|list1=

{{Mexico squad 1999 Copa América}}

{{Mexico squad 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2001 Copa América}}

{{Mexico squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2004 Copa América}}

{{Mexico squad 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2007 Copa América}}

{{Mexico squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2015 Copa América}}

{{Mexico squad Copa América Centenario}}

{{Mexico squad 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup}}

{{Mexico squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}

}}

{{FC Barcelona B managers}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Marquez, Rafael}}

Category:1979 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Zamora, Michoacán

Category:Mexican men's footballers

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:Men's association football central defenders

Category:Men's association football utility players

Category:Atlas F.C. footballers

Category:AS Monaco FC players

Category:FC Barcelona players

Category:New York Red Bulls players

Category:Club León footballers

Category:Hellas Verona FC players

Category:Liga MX players

Category:Ligue 1 players

Category:La Liga players

Category:Major League Soccer players

Category:Designated Players (MLS)

Category:Major League Soccer All-Stars

Category:Serie A players

Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players

Category:Mexico men's youth international footballers

Category:Mexico men's under-20 international footballers

Category:Mexico men's international footballers

Category:1999 Copa América players

Category:1999 FIFA Confederations Cup players

Category:2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup players

Category:2001 Copa América players

Category:2002 FIFA World Cup players

Category:2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup players

Category:2004 Copa América players

Category:2005 FIFA Confederations Cup players

Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players

Category:2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup players

Category:2007 Copa América players

Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players

Category:2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup players

Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players

Category:2015 Copa América players

Category:Copa América Centenario players

Category:2017 FIFA Confederations Cup players

Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players

Category:FIFA Confederations Cup–winning players

Category:CONCACAF Gold Cup–winning players

Category:FIFA Men's Century Club

Category:Mexican expatriate men's footballers

Category:Mexican expatriate sportspeople in Monaco

Category:Mexican expatriate sportspeople in Spain

Category:Mexican expatriate sportspeople in Italy

Category:Mexican expatriate sportspeople in the United States

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Monaco

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain

Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy

Category:People sanctioned under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

Category:Association football coaches

Category:Mexican football managers

Category:Primera Federación managers

Category:FC Barcelona Atlètic managers

Category:Mexican expatriate football managers

Category:Expatriate football managers in Spain