1. Overview
Juan Carlos Villamayor Medina (born March 5, 1969) is a former Paraguayan football player who primarily played as a defender. He had a notable professional career across several clubs in South America, Japan, and Spain, including Cerro Porteño, Corinthians, Avispa Fukuoka, Rayo Vallecano, and Club Sport Colombia. Villamayor also represented the Paraguay national football team from 1993 to 1997, participating in several major international tournaments.
2. Personal Information
2.1. Birth and Background
Juan Carlos Villamayor Medina was born on March 5, 1969, in Concepción, Paraguay. He is a Paraguayan national. Standing at 71 in (180 cm) tall and weighing 168 lb (76 kg), Villamayor was known for his physical presence on the field. His preferred foot was his left. In Japan, he was registered under the name ヴィジャマジョールVillamayorJapanese.
3. Player Career
Juan Carlos Villamayor Medina's professional football career spanned over a decade, involving clubs in Paraguay, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Spain, and Argentina, alongside his significant contributions to the Paraguay national team.
3.1. Club Career
Villamayor's club career began in Paraguay with Cerro Porteño, where he played from 1994 to 1996. During this period, he also had a loan spell with Brazilian club Corinthians in 1996, before returning to Cerro Porteño later that year. In 1997, he moved to Mexico to play for Atlético Celaya. The following year, 1998, saw him return to Paraguay to join Olimpia.
In September 1998, Villamayor embarked on a new challenge, moving to Japan to play for Avispa Fukuoka in the J1 League. He remained with the club until August 1999. Following his departure from Japan, he had a brief stint with Ponte Preta in Brazil in 1999. From 1999 to 2000, he played for Spanish club Rayo Vallecano. He then returned to Cerro Porteño in Paraguay in 2000. From 2000 to 2001, Villamayor played for Chacarita Juniors in Argentina. His career concluded back in Paraguay with Club Sport Colombia, where he played from 2002 to 2006.
3.2. National Team Career
Juan Carlos Villamayor was a key member of the Paraguay national football team, making his debut in 1993 and continuing to represent his country until 1997. During his international career, he participated in several editions of the Copa América, the premier football competition for national teams in South America. He was part of the Paraguayan squad for the 1993 Copa América, the 1995 Copa América, and the 1997 Copa América.
4. Playing Style and Characteristics
Villamayor was recognized as a versatile player, capable of playing in various roles across the midfield and defense. While primarily a defender, he could also operate as an attacking midfielder. At Avispa Fukuoka, he was notably deployed in a libero-like role, characterized by his ability to push forward from the defensive line to join the attack. This offensive contribution was evident during the 1999 J1 League 1st Stage, where he scored four goals, making him the team's top scorer for that stage.
Despite his offensive prowess, then-coach Yoshio Kikukawa reportedly assessed that Villamayor's defensive capabilities were less robust than his attacking ones. This assessment, coupled with offers from other South American teams, led to his departure from Avispa Fukuoka in August 1999. He left the club as part of a player trade involving Ranieri José Setinato.
5. Statistics
5.1. Club Statistics
Villamayor's club statistics, particularly during his time with Avispa Fukuoka in Japan, are detailed below.
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Japan | League | Emperor's Cup | J.League Cup | Total | ||||||
| 1998 | Avispa Fukuoka | J1 League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 1999 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 5 | ||
| Total | 15 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 5 | ||
5.2. National Team Statistics
Juan Carlos Villamayor Medina's career statistics for the Paraguay national football team are presented below, detailing his appearances and goals scored per year.
| Paraguay national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 1993 | 2 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 | 0 |
| 1995 | 8 | 2 |
| 1996 | 2 | 1 |
| 1997 | 6 | 0 |
| Total | 18 | 3 |