Rafael Garza Gutiérrez

2.1. Birth and Family

Rafael Garza Gutiérrez was born on December 13, 1896. He hailed from the Garza family, which played a foundational role in the establishment of Club América. His brother, Francisco Garza Gutiérrez, also became a notable footballer, even joining Rafael as a member of the Mexico national team at the 1930 FIFA World Cup. The Garza family's collective vision and efforts were central to the formation of Club América, laying the groundwork for its future success and enduring legacy.

2.2. Nickname

Garza Gutiérrez earned the enduring nickname 'Récord', which became synonymous with his football career. This moniker originated from his involvement with a football club named "Récord." On October 12, 1916, this club, along with another team called "Unión" (founded by Germán Nuñez), consolidated their forces. The merger of these two entities led to the establishment of Club América, and the name "Récord" subsequently became Garza Gutiérrez's personal nickname, reflecting his foundational connection to the club and his significant achievements within the sport.

3.1. Club América

Garza Gutiérrez spent his entire club playing career as a defender for Club América. He was a driving force behind the club's early successes. In 1917, Club América was "promoted" to compete in the Liga Mayor de la Ciudad (Major League of Mexico City), a significant step for the nascent club. Garza Gutiérrez played a crucial role in leading América to an impressive four consecutive league championships. He was a player in the 1924-25 season, and then served as both a player and coach for the subsequent three championship seasons: 1925-26, 1926-27, and 1927-28. He retired from playing for Club América in 1932.

3.2. Mexico National Team

Garza Gutiérrez's early success at the club level brought him to the attention of those advocating for a Mexico national football team to represent the country in international competitions. He played as a defender for the national team, notably participating in the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Uruguay. His brother, Francisco Garza Gutiérrez, also played alongside him on the Mexican squad at this historic tournament.

3.3. 1928 Olympic Games

Rafael Garza Gutiérrez was selected as a member of the Mexican football team that competed at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, Netherlands. His participation in the Olympic Games further highlighted his prominence as one of Mexico's leading footballers during that era.

4.1. Club América

After retiring as a player, Garza Gutiérrez took on executive and coaching responsibilities at his beloved Club América. His leadership from the sidelines contributed significantly to the club's continued development and success. As a player-coach, he notably led América to two Primera División titles in the 1926-27 and 1927-28 seasons, demonstrating his dual impact on the field and in management.

4.2. Mexico National Team

Garza Gutiérrez had multiple stints as the manager of the Mexico national football team. He was instrumental in the early organization of the national team, informally coaching the squad as early as 1923. When the Mexican Football Federation (Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Asociación_{Mexican Football Federation}^Spanish; FEMEXFUT) was formally created in 1927, Garza Gutiérrez was elected as the team's first official head coach, a position he held until 1928. Following his retirement as a player, he returned to manage the Mexico national team on three additional occasions: during the 1934-35 season, in 1937, and again in 1949. His final tenure as national team manager was particularly successful, as he led Mexico to win the NAFC Championship in 1949.

5.1. Player Honours

As a player, primarily with Club América, Garza Gutiérrez secured numerous accolades:

• Primera División:
  • 1924-25
  • 1925-26
  • 1926-27
  • 1927-28
• Copa Challenger:
  • 1927

5.2. Managerial Honours

Garza Gutiérrez also earned notable honours during his time as a coach:

• With Club América:
  • Primera División:
    • 1926-27 (as player/coach)
    • 1927-28 (as player/coach)
• With the Mexico national football team:
  • NAFC Championship:
    • 1949