Rafael Márquez Biography: Rafael Márquez Álvarez born February 13, 1979 is a Mexican football coach and former professional player, currently serving as an assistant coach for the Mexico national team. Known as El Káiser, he is widely considered the greatest defender in Mexico’s football history and one of the country’s all-time best players. Márquez began his professional career in 1996 with Atlas, where he made over 70 appearances before transferring to French club AS Monaco in 1999. There, he won the Ligue 1 title in his debut season. In 2003, Márquez made history by becoming the first Mexican to sign with FC Barcelona. During his seven seasons with the club, he played in over 240 matches and collected numerous accolades, including four La Liga championships and two UEFA Champions League titles.
Rafael Márquez Biography
Rafael Márquez is a former professional footballer from Mexico who played primarily as a central defender, sweeper, or defensive midfielder. Widely regarded as the greatest defender in Mexican football history, he is also considered one of the country’s all-time best players. Márquez began his professional career in 1996 with Atlas, making over 70 appearances before transferring to A.S. Monaco in France in 1999. There, he helped the club win the Ligue 1 title. In 2003, he made history by becoming the first Mexican to play for FC Barcelona. Over seven seasons with the club, he played in more than 200 matches and won multiple major trophies. In 2006, he became the first Mexican player to win the UEFA Champions League after Barcelona’s victory over Arsenal in the final.
Rafael Márquez Biography 2025 Details
| Full name |
Rafael Márquez Álvarez |
| Date of birth |
13 February 1979 (age 46) |
| Place of birth |
Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico |
| Height |
1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Position(s) |
Centre-back, defensive midfielder |
| Category |
Football Biographies |
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About Rafael Márquez
Rafael Márquez Álvarez is a Mexican football coach and former player who played as a defender. He is currently the assistant coach of the Mexico national team. Nicknamed El Káiser, he is regarded as the best defender in Mexico’s history and one of the best Mexican players of all time.
Rafael Márquez Wiki
- Born: 13 February 1979 (age 46 years), Zamora, Mexico
- Number: 4 (FC Barcelona / Defender) · See more
- Teams coached: Mexico national football team (Assistant Coach, since 2024) ·
- Position: Defender, Midfielder
- Dates joined: 2015 (Atlas F.C.) ·
- Spouse: Jaydy Michel (m. 2011), Adriana Lavat (m. 2001–2007)
- Height: 1.84 m
Club Career
Márquez launched his career with Atlas, making his debut in October 1996 at just 17 years old. He quickly became a standout player, accumulating 77 appearances. He helped the team reach the final of the Verano 1999 tournament, where they finished as runners-up after losing to Toluca on penalties. After participating in the 1999 Copa América, Márquez transferred to AS Monaco for a reported fee of $6 million. He debuted on August 14 against Bastia. In his first season, he helped Monaco secure the Ligue 1 (then known as French Division 1) championship and was selected for the league’s Team of the Season. Over four seasons with Monaco, Márquez appeared in 109 matches and also won the Coupe de la Ligue.
Rafael Marquez Facts
Where does Rafael Marquez live? And how much money does Rafael Marquez earn?
| Birth Date |
13-2-1979 |
| Heritage/origin |
Mexican |
| Ethnicity |
Other |
| Religion – believes in God? |
Roman Catholic |
| Residence |
He lives together in an apartment in New York City, New York, USA. |
Rafael Marquez Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth |
least $4 Million dollars |
| Yearly Salary |
N/A |
| Product Endorsements |
Bridgestone,Adidas |
| Colleagues |
José Andrés Guardado |
Rafael Marquez: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status |
Married (Since 2011) |
| Sexuality |
Straight |
| Current Wife of Rafael Marquez |
Jaydy Michel |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives |
Adriana Lavat |
| More info |
Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? |
Yes, father of: Santiago Rafael Márquez, Rafaela Márquez |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Rafaela Márquez (Daughter)
- Santiago Rafael Márquez (Son)
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This mysterious football player originating from Zamora, Mexico has a athletic body & oval face type.
| Hair color |
Black |
| Hairstyle |
alternative |
| Beard or Mustache |
Beardless |
| Eye Color |
Dark Brown |
| Height |
182 cm |
| Weight |
74 kilo |
| Feet size |
N/A |
| Does Rafael Marquez smoke? |
No, never |
| Does Rafael Marquez have a tattoo? |
No |
FAQs
What positions did Rafael Márquez play during his career?
Rafael Márquez was known for his versatility on the field, playing primarily as a central defender, but also excelling as a sweeper and defensive midfielder throughout his career.
Which European clubs did Rafael Márquez play for?
Márquez played for two major European clubs: AS Monaco in France, where he won the Ligue 1 title, and FC Barcelona in Spain, where he won numerous domestic and international trophies.
When did Rafael Márquez join FC Barcelona?
Rafael Márquez joined FC Barcelona in 2003, making history as the first Mexican to represent the club.
How many league titles did Rafael Márquez win with Club León?
Márquez captained Club León to two consecutive Liga MX championships, winning back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014.
Did Rafael Márquez play in Major League Soccer?
Yes, Rafael Márquez played in Major League Soccer for the New York Red Bulls from 2010 to 2012.
When did Rafael Márquez retire from professional football?
Rafael Márquez officially retired from professional football in April 2018 after finishing his career with his original club, Atlas.
