1. Overview
Pablo Larios Iwasaki (パブロ・ラリオス・イワサキPaburo Rariosu IwasakiJapanese) was a prominent Mexican professional association football player who specialized as a goalkeeper, and later became a football coach. Born on July 31, 1960, in Zacatepec, Morelos, Mexico, he passed away on January 31, 2019, in Puebla at the age of 58. Larios was widely known by his distinctive nickname, "El Arquero de la Selva" (El Arquero de la SelvaThe Goalkeeper of the JungleSpanish), a moniker that reflected both his origins in the humid, warm climate of Zacatepec and his early career with his hometown club. Throughout his career, Larios was recognized for his agility and commanding presence in goal, playing for several notable Mexican clubs and representing the Mexico national football team in major international tournaments, including the 1986 FIFA World Cup. He stood at 5.9 ft (1.79 m) and weighed 152 lb (69 kg) during his playing days.
2. Early Life and Background
Pablo Larios Iwasaki was born on July 31, 1960, in Zacatepec, Morelos, a town located in the Mexican state of Morelos. His full name, Pablo Larios Iwasaki, reflects his diverse heritage: his paternal ancestors were of Spanish descent, while his maternal side had Japanese ancestry. This mixed background was a notable aspect of his identity. His nickname, "El Arquero de la Selva," directly references his birthplace, Zacatepec, which is situated in a region known for its humid and warm tropical climate, often described as a "jungle" environment. This connection to his hometown was further solidified by starting his professional football career with his local club, Atlético Zacatepec.
3. Playing Career
Pablo Larios Iwasaki had a distinguished career as a goalkeeper, spanning nearly two decades in professional football, both at the club and international levels.
3.1. Club Career
Larios played for several prominent clubs in Mexico during his professional career, making significant contributions to each team. His club career began and ended with teams from his home state of Morelos.
- Zacatepec**: Larios started his professional journey with his hometown club, Zacatepec, playing from 1980 to 1984. He later returned to the club for a brief period in 1997. During his initial tenure, he made 76 appearances.
- Cruz Azul**: Following his time at Zacatepec, he joined Cruz Azul, where he played from 1984 to 1989. He was a key player for Cruz Azul, making 138 appearances.
- Puebla**: From 1989 to 1994, Larios was the goalkeeper for Puebla. This period was particularly successful for him and the club, as he made 198 appearances and contributed to several championship titles.
- Toros Neza**: After his successful stint with Puebla, Larios moved to Toros Neza, playing from 1994 to 1997 and again from 1998 to 1999. He played 105 matches in his first period and 22 in his second, concluding his playing career with the club.
In total, Pablo Larios made 539 appearances in his club career.
3.2. National Team Career
Pablo Larios Iwasaki was a prominent figure for the Mexico national football team, earning 48 caps between 1983 and 1991. He made his senior national team debut on March 15, 1983.
He represented Mexico in several significant international tournaments:
- 1979 FIFA World Youth Championship**: Early in his career, Larios participated in this youth tournament, gaining valuable international experience.
- 1986 FIFA World Cup**: This was a highlight of his international career. As Mexico's starting goalkeeper, Larios played in all five of the team's matches in the tournament, which was hosted by Mexico. His performances were instrumental in helping the team reach the quarter-finals, marking Mexico's best-ever finish in a FIFA World Cup.
- 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup**: Larios also participated in the 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where Mexico secured a third-place finish. He played in two matches during this tournament.
4. Coaching Career
Following his retirement as a player, Pablo Larios Iwasaki transitioned into a career as a football coach, specifically focusing on goalkeeper training. His most notable coaching role was with the Mexico national football team. He served as the goalkeeper coach for the Mexican national team during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Germany. In this capacity, he worked under then-head coach Ricardo Lavolpe, contributing to the preparation and performance of the team's goalkeepers on the international stage.
5. Personal Life
Pablo Larios Iwasaki's personal life was marked by both his unique heritage and a profound tragedy. As noted, he had Spanish ancestry on his paternal side and Japanese ancestry on his maternal side.
In early September 2008, Larios experienced a deeply personal loss when his 19-year-old son, Pablo Larios Garza, was reported missing. Following an extensive search, his son's body was discovered by border police near Granjeno, Texas, approximately 600 ft from the Rio Grande. Investigations revealed that Pablo Larios Garza had attempted to illegally cross the border into the United States to visit his girlfriend, as he had previously lost his visa.
6. Death
Pablo Larios Iwasaki died on January 31, 2019, at the age of 58. He had been admitted to a hospital in Puebla, Mexico, due to severe health complications, specifically an intestinal occlusion and respiratory arrest. He underwent surgery for these conditions but unfortunately did not survive the procedure. His passing marked the end of a life dedicated to football, both as a player and a coach.
7. Honours
Pablo Larios Iwasaki achieved several significant honours during his professional playing career with various clubs and the national team.
Club Honours
- Zacatepec**
- Mexican Segunda División: 1983-84
- Puebla**
- Mexican Primera División: 1989-90
- Copa México: 1989-90
- Campeón de Campeones: 1989-90
- CONCACAF Champions' Cup: 1991
National Team Honours
- Mexico**
- CONCACAF Gold Cup: Third place, 1991
8. Legacy and Impact
Pablo Larios Iwasaki left a lasting legacy in Mexican football, primarily through his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper and his memorable performances on the national stage. His nickname, "El Arquero de la Selva" (The Goalkeeper of the Jungle), became synonymous with his unique style and origins, contributing to his iconic status among fans. Larios was celebrated for his agility, quick reflexes, and ability to make crucial saves, which often turned the tide of matches.
His most significant contribution to Mexican football was undoubtedly his role in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, hosted in Mexico. As the starting goalkeeper, Larios played a pivotal role in leading the national team to the quarter-finals, a historic achievement that remains the country's best performance in a World Cup to date. His commanding presence in goal during this tournament solidified his reputation as one of Mexico's finest goalkeepers. Beyond his playing career, his transition into coaching, particularly as the goalkeeper coach for the national team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, further demonstrated his dedication to the sport and his desire to contribute to the development of future generations of Mexican footballers.