Here is all you need to know about Mexican football coach Rafa Marquez including his age, position, tactics and bio
Following FC Barcelona exit from the UEFA Champions League, where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain, talks of new manager have already started and Rafael Marquez emerges the top favourite.
When Xavi, who declared in January that he will leave the position in the summer after more than two years, took on the role, Marquez was only thought of as a possible temporary replacement.
Who is Barcelona B manager Rafael (Rafa) Marquez, bio, age, height, family, wife, tactics and position
🚨 Barcelona are considering two options for next season:
– Xavi potentially reconsidering his decision to leave.
– Rafael Marquez, current Barça B coach, who could be promoted to the first team.
(Source: @BILD) pic.twitter.com/T6zeXsivXp
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 15, 2024
The former Barcelona defender now coaches the club’s B squad, which is fighting for promotion into the second division of Spanish football. So, let us have a look at Mexican football coach who might replace Hernandez as Barcelona’s next boss.
Who is Rafael Marquez?
Rafael Marquez is a Mexican football coach and former player, a defender, who was born on 13 February 1979 in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico. The 35-year-old former centre-back stands 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) tall.
A look at Rafael Marquez’s career
Rafael Marquez is currently serving Barcelona Atletic aka El Kaiser as their manager. The Barcelona B team currently competes in Primera Federacion; Group 2, the third tier of the Spanish league system.
The Mexican is regarded as the best defender in Mexican history and one of the best football players in Mexican history overall. He has played for teams like (1996-1999) Atlas, (1999-2003) Monaco, (2003-2010) Barcelona, (2010-2012) New York Red Bulls, (2012-2014) Leon, (2014-2015) Hellas Verona, (2016-2018) Atlas. The Mexico International won the the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, and the 2003 and 2011 editions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the National side.
After he retired, Fabricio Bassa was replaced as Atlas’s new sporting president. His tenure there lasted till May 2019. Marquez began working for the TUDN network in October 2021 as a pundit and analyst for national team matches. He later was announced RSD Alcala’s youth coach on April 8, 2020.
The Mexican former defender signed a two-year deal to become the head coach of FC Barcelona B on July 14, 2022. It was disclosed on June 14, 2023, that he will stay with the squad and sign a contract extension.
The Mexican follows a 4-3-3 system and prefers the wide forwards to tick to the touchline, much like Xavi and his team stands out with a solid defensive block.
Marquez was indeed a crucial member of Frank Rijkaard’s team that won the club’s second European Cup in 2006 and with almost 250 competitive appearances, Marquez was even one of Barcelona’s best defenders and has an ability to nurture talents. During his time at Barça Atletic, he was crucial in developing several youngsters, including Pau Cubarsi and is well aware of players such as Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Alejandro Balde.
Rafael Marquez’s parents
Rafael Marquez’s father Rafael Márquez Esqueda was a profesional football player.
Rafael Marquez’s wife
Rafael Marquez is married to Jaydy Michel. He was previously married to Adriana Lavat in 2001 and she is a Mexican actress. The two welcomed two children together named Santiago Rafael and Rafaela however, their marriage didn’t last long and they got separated on 2007.
Rafael Marquez’s earnings
During his playing career, he has earned around $14,744,000 as per Capology.