1. Overview
q=Venezuela|position=right
Pedro Juan Febles González (Pedro Juan Febles GonzálezPedro Juan Febles GonzálezSpanish), commonly known as Pedro Febles, was a prominent Venezuelan football player and manager. Born on April 18, 1958, he made significant contributions to Venezuelan football through his dual career, first as a dynamic striker for various clubs and the national team, and later as a successful coach. His career spanned from the late 1970s through the early 2000s, leaving a lasting impact on the sport's development in Venezuela. He is particularly remembered for his participation in multiple Copa América tournaments and the Olympic Games as a player, and for leading Caracas FC to a league championship as a manager.
2. Early Life
Pedro Febles was born in Venezuela in 1958, laying the foundation for a life deeply intertwined with football.
2.1. Birth and Childhood
Pedro Juan Febles González was born on April 18, 1958. While specific details about his childhood environment are not extensively documented, his early life in Venezuela set the stage for his future career as a professional footballer.
3. Playing Career
Febles had a notable career as a professional football player, showcasing his skills as a striker at both the club and international levels.
3.1. Club Career
Throughout his playing career, Pedro Febles played for several Venezuelan football clubs. He was a key player for teams such as Deportivo Galicia, Atlético San Cristóbal, and C.S. Marítimo de Venezuela. His time with these clubs established him as a recognized striker in the Venezuelan football league.
3.2. International Career
Pedro Febles was an integral part of the Venezuela national football team from 1979 to 1989, making 25 appearances. He represented his country in several major tournaments, including the 1979 Copa América, 1983 Copa América, and 1989 Copa América. Febles also competed for Venezuela at the 1980 Summer Olympics held in Moscow, Soviet Union, where the team was eliminated after the preliminary round. He played as a striker for the national team.
4. Managerial Career
Following his playing days, Pedro Febles transitioned into a successful career as a football manager, known for his coaching roles and strategic approach.
4.1. Major Coaching Teams
Pedro Febles held coaching positions at several significant clubs in Venezuela. He achieved notable success with Caracas FC, leading the team to a league championship during the 1987-88 season. He also had multiple stints as manager for Caracas FC, including periods from 1993 to 1994, 1994 to 1995, and 1998 to 1999. Beyond Caracas FC, Febles also coached Deportivo Italia. His managerial career also included spells with A.C.C.D. Mineros de Guayana in the 1990s, Deportivo Miranda F.C. in 2004, and Deportivo La Guaira F.C. from 2008 to 2009.
4.2. National Team Coaching
Febles extended his coaching expertise to national youth teams, specifically managing the Venezuela U-14 team. During his tenure, he worked alongside Augusto Visa as an assistant coach. This role was crucial for developing young talent, with many of his players from that U-14 national team going on to play professionally in the Venezuelan League. Notable players who emerged under his guidance include Alejandro Iglesias, Arnold Rivera, Pablo Rosas, Edwin Quilaguri, Pedro Millan, and German Yumar.
5. Personal Life
Pedro Febles' personal life was also connected to football through his family. His son, Daniel Febles, followed in his father's footsteps and also became a professional footballer.
6. Death
Pedro Febles passed away on December 14, 2011, at the age of 52.
7. Legacy and Impact
Pedro Febles left a significant legacy in Venezuelan football, impacting the sport both as a player and a manager. As a player, his consistent performance as a striker and his representation of Venezuela in major international tournaments, including three Copa Américas and the 1980 Summer Olympics, solidified his status as a key figure in the national team during the 1980s. As a manager, his league championship win with Caracas FC in the 1987-88 season stands as a testament to his coaching abilities. Furthermore, his work with the Venezuela U-14 team was instrumental in nurturing future generations of Venezuelan footballers, demonstrating his commitment to the sport's long-term development. His contributions as both a performer on the field and a mentor from the sidelines profoundly influenced the growth and trajectory of football in Venezuela.