Mexican football legend Antonio Carbajal who became the first footballer to play at five World Cups has died aged 93.
The goalkeeper who was nicknamed “La Tota” had his World Cup debut in Brazil in 1950, and went on to play in four other World Cup final tournaments in Switzerland (1954), Sweden (1958), Chile (1962) and bowed out after the 1966 edition held in England.
Carbajal held this record for 32 years until it was equalled by Germany’s Lothar Matthaus in 1998. He played 48 times for Mexico, 11 of which came at World Cups. At club level, Carbajal made 409 appearances for Club Espana and Club Leon all in Mexico.
The majority of his 18-year playing career was spent at Club Leon, where he played 364 games during a 16-year stay.
After getting the news of his death, Club Leon said it would open the doors to its stadium on Thursday to allow fans to pay their respects to Carbajal in the company of his family.
“Don Antonio, legends never die. We will always follow your hand. It is an honour to be your team. With honour, respect and love, let’s say our last goodbye to the emerald legend,” Club Leon said in a statement published in part by BBC Sport.
In total, five players have matched Carbajal’s historic achievement of playing at five World Cups and these include Andres Guardado, Argentina captain Lionel Messi, Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mexico’s Rafael Marquez.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a condolence message to Carbajal’s family and Mexico fans, saying, “It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Antonio Carbajal, the first player to star in five FIFA World Cups. I send our most sincere condolences to his family and to all the Mexican fans who mourn his loss.”
Carbajal was the last surviving player from the 1950 World Cup.
