Rafael Garza Gutiérrez


Rafael Garza Gutiérrez, nicknamed "Récord", was a Mexican footballer and coach. He, along with other members of the Garza family, are recognized as the founders of Club América. He was a defender for that club as well as the Selección de fútbol de México. Upon retiring, he took the reins of his beloved club as an executive and later served as the national team manager on four separate occasions.. He is an Olympian.

Club América

Garza Gutiérrez, and a group of young men, championed the idea of a Club América when on 12 October 1916, met. There existed Garza's "Récord" and Germán Nuñez's "Unión"; they consolidated forces. The name came from the significance of the day on which the club was established.
Garza continued in 1917 to be a force when América was "promoted" to compete in Liga Mayor de la Ciudad. Garza led América to four consecutive championships. America would have its next league championship in 1965–66.He retired from America in 1932.

Mexico national football team

Garza's early success brought him to the attention of those that championed the idea of a national team to represent Mexico in international competition. This team would be governed by Mexican Football Federation, when it was created in 1927. Garza was elected to be the team's first head coach, although he had been informally coaching what was then the team since 1923. He continued at his post until 1928. He played as a defender at the first FIFA World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930. After his retirement as a player, he continued to coach the Mexico national team three times.

1928 Olympic Summer Games - Amsterdam

He was on the football team sent by Mexico to compete at the 1928 Olympic Summer s.

Honors

Player

América

Primera División: 1924–25, 1925–26, 1926–27, 1927–28
Copa Challenger: 1927

Managerial

América

Primera División: 1926–27, 1927–28

International