Rafael Márquez (born February 13, 1979 in Zamora , Mexico) is a Mexican football player, who currently plays for F.C. Barcelona of the Spanish first division.
Marquez began his career with Mexican club Atlas de Guadalajara, for whom he debuted in 1996 at only 17 years old. Marquez rose to prominence while with Atlas, making 77 appearances for the team, and debuting for the Mexican national team, before moving on in 1999. In that year, French club Monaco purchased Marquez for 6 million Euros. Marquez was an immediate success with Monaco, helping lead the team to the French title in his first season with the club. Despite pressures from larger clubs, Marquez would remain with the club until 2003, when Barcelona purchased him for 5 million Euros. In his first season with Barca, Marquez appeared 21 times, helping the team to a second place finish in La Liga.
Since his debut February 5, 1997, Marquez has been one of the Mexican national team's most important players. He started all four of the team's games in the 2002 World Cup, and has been an integral part of two World Cup Qualifying campaigns.
Last updated: 08-04-2005 20:09:02