<p>After making his professional debut with<strong> Atlas</strong> in the <strong>Liga MX</strong> with just 17 years old, <strong>Rafael Márquez </strong>played three seasons for the Mexican club before starting his remarkable journey in Europe. The former defender had an outstanding career, winning titles that most of the players can only dream of. His achievements and more than 20 years representing the national team made him one of Mexico’s living legends.</p>
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<p>Márquez’s performance during the<strong> 1999 Copa América</strong> caught the attention of <strong>Monaco</strong>’s officials. He signed for the French club, where he played for four years, and helped the team to win three titles, including one <strong>Ligue 1</strong> trophy. During his stint in France, the Mexican proved to be a young but still tough defender. And that’s when <strong>Barcelona </strong>showed up.</p>
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<figure class="image">  <figure class="image"><img alt="" data-height="333" data-size="w:1024,h:570" data-width="600" hspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200413_BUS_163126_rafa_marquez_champions_crop1586820562009.jpg_1030179834_b0951cba.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" title="" vspace="5"></figure><figcaption>   Rafael Márquez holds the Champions League trophy.  </figcaption></figure>
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<p>The Spanish giant signed Márquez and he quickly became the leader of the back line. He had the best years of his career in<strong> Barcelona</strong>, where he played for seven seasons and won every possible title. He even clinched two<strong> Champions League</strong> trophies and one<strong> Club World Cup</strong>. To make it more special, Márquez had the opportunity to play alongside soccer superstars such as <strong>Ronaldinho</strong> and <strong>Lionel Messi</strong>, among others.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">¡Felicidades Rafa Márquez! ��</p>
<p> El central mexicano, campeón de la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> en dos ocasiones, cumple 40 años. ������ <a href="https://t.co/2ZuynHwmT2">pic.twitter.com/2ZuynHwmT2</a></p>
<p> — Liga de Campeones (@LigadeCampeones)    <a href="https://twitter.com/LigadeCampeones/status/1095718730439540738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a>  </p></blockquote></div>
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<p>After playing more than two years for the <strong>New York Red Bulls</strong> in the <strong>MLS</strong>, the Mexican joined <strong>Liga MX’s Club León</strong> to continue with his successful career by clinching two league titles. His performances took him again to Europe, this time to<strong> Italy’s Hellas Verona</strong>, becoming the first Mexican to play in five different countries. And, before retiring in 2018, he returned to his beloved <strong>Atlas</strong>.</p>
<p>His international career is also admirable. Márquez represented the national team in five <strong>World Cups</strong>, from 2002 to 2018, and won two<strong> Gold Cups</strong> and one <strong>Confederations Cup</strong>. He put his name as one of Mexico’s greatest player with his feats and achievements. A true living legend for Mexican soccer!</p>

Mexico legends: A look back at Rafael Márquez’s outstanding career

Mexico legends: A look back at Rafael Márquez’s outstanding career - Bolavip US

<p>Mexican league clubs have always tried to sign foreign soccer stars to make an impact in the transfer market and, of course, improve their squads. <strong>Iván Zamorano, Pep Guardiola and Ronaldinho </strong>are just some of the star players who played in the <strong>Liga MX</strong>. However, not all of them have a successful stint in the country.</p>
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<p>In this case, we will talk about a striker who arrived in México from Europe and became one of the best players of the league in recent years. A Frenchman who snubbed offers from other clubs to sign for <strong>Tigres</strong>, where he will be remembered forever by the team fans. We are talking about <strong>André-Pierre Gignac</strong>, one of the best strikers in the league.</p>
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<figure class="image">  <figure class="image"><img alt="" data-height="333" data-size="w:1024,h:570" data-width="600" hspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200408_BUS_163117_gignac_2_crop1586386625827.jpg_1030179834_ec52b1bb.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" title="" vspace="5"></figure><figcaption>   Gignac holds the 2019 Liga MX Clausura tournament trophy.  </figcaption></figure>
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<p>After scoring 21 goals in the 2014/2015 season with <strong>Olympique de Marseille</strong> in the Ligue 1, finishing even ahead of both <strong>Zlatan Ibrahimovic</strong> and <strong>Edinson Cavani</strong>, <strong>Gignac signed for Tigres after rejecting offers from the Premier League</strong>. Fans of the Mexican team went to the airport to give him a hero’s welcome. And luckily for them, the reality exceeded the expectations.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">En 60 años pasan muchas cosas que no se construyen solas. Esta casa, está familia, está hecha de emociones y de historia. Muchas Felicidades <a href="https://twitter.com/TigresOficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TigresOficial</a> y a toda la afición por estos 60 años y especialmente gracias por permitirme ser parte de esta historia que aún no termina <a href="https://t.co/pRKAPe1Sbi">pic.twitter.com/pRKAPe1Sbi</a></p>
<p> — Gignac Andre-pierre (@10APG)    <a href="https://twitter.com/10APG/status/1236453577075363840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2020</a>  </p></blockquote></div>
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<p><strong>Since his arrival, Tigres won four league titles and three Campeón de Campeones trophies.</strong> Also, the team reached the <strong>Copa Libertadores</strong> final in 2015 and the<strong> CONCACAF Champions League</strong> final three times. Gignac was a key player in all of these achievements, scoring goals and even winning individual awards for his talent.</p>
<p><strong>His average in Tigres so far is 0.56 goals per game. </strong>He was included in the Best XI of the Liga MX in every season since his arrival and <strong>won the Golden Ball award for the best player of the league in 2016</strong>. He finished as the leading goalscorer of the entire Mexican season twice, including the 2019 season. There’s no doubt that the 34-year-old Gignac is still a very talented striker but, ¿how much longer is he going to stay in Tigres?</p>

André-Pierre Gignac, the French star who became a hero for Mexican club Tigres

André-Pierre Gignac, the French star who became a hero for Mexican club Tigres - Bolavip US

<p><strong>Major League Soccer(MLS)</strong>is one of the fastest growing soccer leaguesaround the world. The league’s qualityand competitiveness has signifanctly increasedin the past few years with the signing of severalrenowed playersfrom Europe and South America.</p>
<p>There have beenmany international stars that have played in MLS, such as <strong>David Beckham,Zlatan Ibrahimovic,Thierry Henry,and Andrea Pirlo</strong>. However, they were all free transfers andit was not untilrecentlythatMLS clubsbegan to make big money transfers.</p>
<p>Since 2014, many teams have opened their checkbooks to bringin valuable playersthat would improve the league instead of signingfree agentsuperstarswho may not be fully invested in MLS<strong>. Here we list the 10 most expensive signings in MLS history to date.</strong></p>
<h2><strong>10. Jermain Defoe</strong></h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200328_BUS_163129_jermain_defoe_toronto_mls.jpg_22993414_b1a96d54.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Via MLSSoccer.com   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Price: $10 million</strong></p>
<p>When <strong>Toronto FC</strong> bagged $10 million for <strong>Jermain Defoe</strong>, the expectations were sky-high. However, it didn’t go to plan. Even though he was prolific, the Premier League journeyman spent only one season in Canada before going back to England.</p>
<h2><strong>9. Cucho Hernandez</strong></h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200328_BUS_163129_cucho_hernandez.jpg_22993414_6a9d637b.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Price: $10.5 million</strong></p>
<p>In his twenties, <strong>Cucho Hernandez</strong> already boasts an interesting resume, with stints in different European teams. The Colombia international joined Columbus Crew for $10.5 million from Watford in 2022.</p>
<h2><strong>8. Alejandro Pozuelo</strong></h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img alt="" data-height="333" data-size="w:597,h:333" data-width="597" hspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200328_BUS_163129_toranto_fc_ap_crop1585418948170.jpg_731210019_4e94921a.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" title="" vspace="5"></figure><figcaption>    Pozuelo was a big success for Toronto FC in 2019.   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Price: $11 million</strong></p>
<p>A productof the Real Betis youth system, the Sevilla born midfielder was a journeyman as he played for several club across Europe. After playing four seasons in Belgium forGenk, Toronto FC signed himfor $11 millionin March 2019. He immediately settled in, winning MVP in 2020 while being named to the All Star game, also making the MLS Best Eleven twice. Now he’s at Inter Miami.</p>
<h2><strong>7. Brian Rodríguez</strong></h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img alt="" data-height="333" data-size="w:597,h:333" data-width="597" hspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200328_BUS_163129_lafc_crop1585419175045.jpg_731210019_076590ee.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" title="" vspace="5"></figure><figcaption>    <strong></strong>Rodríguez during a Los Angeles FC game.   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Price: $11.5 million</strong></p>
<p>The Uruguayanwinger made his debut forPeñarol in March2018 and eventuallybecame a regular in the starting11. His talentquickly stood outand it did not takelong for MLS teamsto be interested.Los Angeles FC was the most interestedand eventually landed himin August 2019 for a fee of$11.5 million. Now he’s at Club America.</p>
<h2>6. Talles Magno</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200328_BUS_163129_talles_magno.jpg_22993414_2a370f6d.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Steph Chambers/Getty Images   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Price: $12 million</strong></p>
<p><strong>New York City FC </strong>set their sights on Brazilian soccer to try and land agenerational talent. <strong>Talles Magno</strong> caught their eye, and it’s no surprise. The Vasco da Gama product was acquired for $12 million in 2021 after making more than 50 senior appearances as well as playing for Brazil’s youth teams.</p>
<h2>5.Rodolfo Pizarro</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200328_BUS_163129_rodolfo_pizarro.jpg_22993414_e5fbc8ed.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Rodolfo Pizarro (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Price: $12 million</strong></p>
<p>Just like<strong> Inter Miami</strong>‘s inaugural MLS season, <strong>Rodolfo Pizarro</strong>‘s signing left a lot to be desired. David Beckham’s forked out $12 million for the Monterrey star, but the Mexican was a shell of himself in his first year in South Beach. He was sent on loan to Rayados, but now he’s back in Miami trying to prove his worth.</p>
<h2>4.Brenner</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200328_BUS_163129_brenner_x1x.jpg_22993414_a61195d0.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Price: $13 million</strong></p>
<p><strong>Cincinnati FC</strong>went all in for<strong>Brenner</strong>in 2021, spending $13 million to get the promising striker from Sao Paulo. This is one of the moves that reflect the MLS is not a retirement league, but one that recruits and develops young talent.</p>
<h2><strong>3.Ezequiel Barco</strong></h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img alt="" data-height="333" data-size="w:597,h:333" data-width="597" hspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200328_BUS_163129_atlanta_united_eb_crop1585419265086.jpg_731210019_8a829177.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" title="" vspace="5"></figure><figcaption>    Barco was instrumental in helping Atlanta United win MLS Cup in 2018.   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Price: $15 million</strong></p>
<p>Oneof Argentina’s most promising talents in recent years, <strong>Ezequiel Barco </strong>caught<strong>Atlatna United’s</strong>eye as a teenagerand joined the club for $15 million in 2018. However, he couldn’t fully live up to the expectations as fans only saw glimpses of his talent. In fact, he was sent on loan to River Plate.</p>
<h2><strong>2.Gonzalo Martínez</strong> </h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img alt="" data-height="333" data-size="w:598,h:333" data-width="598" hspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200328_BUS_163129_atlanta_united_gm_crop1585419349151.jpg_1065741340_e8171979.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" title="" vspace="5"></figure><figcaption>    Pity Martínez during an Atlanta United game.   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Price: $15.5 million</strong></p>
<p>The man nicknamed “El Pity” was one of River Plate’s best players as they won the Copa Libertadores title in 2018. In fact, he scoredthe third goal to sealthe victory in the final against arch rivals Boca Juniors atthe Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.</p>
<p>His performances attracted interested from several teams, but it was Atlanta United thatbeat everyone to the punch. In January 2019, the club announcedthe signing of the Argentine playmaker for $15.5 million, which set a record by then. Martinez is currently playing next to Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.</p>
<h2>1. Thiago Almada</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20200328_BUS_163129_almada_atlanta.jpg_22993414_93d6dc1d.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Price: $16 million</strong></p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, Atlanta United broke their own record by making<strong>Thiago Almada</strong>the most expensive incoming transfer in MLS history. The Five Stripes reached an agreement with Velez to get their jewel for $16 million, completing the transfer in 2022. Almada is proving Atlanta right, as he became the first active MLS player in history to win the World Cup, being part of Argentina’s roster at Qatar 2022.</p>

concacaf - Page 31

Mexico legends: A look back at Rafael Márquez’s outstanding career

André-Pierre Gignac, the French star who became a hero for Mexican club Tigres

Top 10 MLS transfer signings

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