Former Mexico goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal, the first footballer to play in five World Cups, has died at the age of 93, local media announced on Tuesday.
“Tota”, as Carbajal was known, appeared in goal for Mexico at the World Cups in Brazil in 1950, Switzerland in 1954, Sweden in 1958, Chile in 1962, and England in 1966.
He made 11 caps for his country in these competitions.
Carbajal held the record of playing in five World Cups for 32 years until 1998 when German midfielder Lothar Matthaus reached the mark.
Carbajal’s compatriots Rafael Marquez and Andres Guardado, along with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have also since equaled his record.
Although Carbajal said he was scouted by Real Madrid between 1950 and 1954, the Mexican never left his domestic league.
He played most of his career in his hometown with Club Leon.
Reuters
