SAMARA, Russia – The brilliant career of Rafael Marquez has come to an end following Mexico’s 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The legendary CONCACAF player officially announced his retirement from football after a remarkable 148 international appearances with El Tricolor and 22 years at the club level, beginning with his debut as a 17-year-old with Atlas in 1996.
“I’m going to enjoy some free time, 22 years of an uninterrupted trajectory, but I will stay linked with football. Now I retire,” said Marquez to reporters in the post-match mixed zone.
The 39-year-old once again made history on Monday in becoming the first player ever to captain a team in a match in five different World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018).
In each of the five World Cups in which he appeared, Marquez led Mexico to the knockout round and has played in 19 World Cup matches and scored three goals.
Marquez was just the third player in history to see the field in five different World Cups. Countryman Antonio Carvajal achieved the feat of playing in five World Cups, featuring in the 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962 and 1966 World Cups with El Tri.
That was then matched by former Germany international Lothar Matthaus, who played in the 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998 World Cups, earning a World Cup title with the Germans in 1990.
While Monday’s contest was not the result that he would have desired, Marquez believes Mexico can leave the World Cup with their heads held high.
“We feel proud about playing toe-to-toe with Brazil, having scoring chances. I’m proud og=f what we showed, but sad about the result,” concluded Marquez.
