By Juan Samuel Santana Chávez

The Mexican Football Federation made official the appointment of Rafael Márquez as the new technical director of the Mexican National Team, thus beginning the process towards the 2030 World Cup. The former defender, considered one of the best footballers in the country's history, takes on the role after being part of Javier Aguirre's coaching staff during the 2026 World Cup cycle, continuing the FMF's sporting project.

As a player, Rafael Márquez had a historic career. He debuted with Atlas in 1996 and later shone with AS Monaco in France and FC Barcelona, where he won four LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey, and two UEFA Champions Leagues, becoming the first Mexican footballer to win Europe's top club competition. He also played for the New York Red Bulls in MLS, Hellas Verona in Italy, and returned to Atlas to close out his career. With the Mexican National Team, he played 148 international matches, participated in five consecutive World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018), and was the first player to wear the captain's armband in five different World Cups.

After his retirement, Márquez began his coaching career in the youth categories of Real Alcalá in Spain and later managed Barcelona Atlètic, the Catalan club's reserve team, which he led to the promotion playoffs in the Spanish Primera Federación. In 2024, he joined the Mexican National Team as an assistant coach alongside Javier Aguirre, a period during which he collaborated in winning the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup before being appointed national team strategist. He will now face the biggest challenge of his career with the goal of consolidating a new generation and returning El Tricolor to international prominence.