Carlos Reinoso

Lore & Background

He began his career in the 1960s playing for Audax Italiano in his native Chile. In 1970 Reinoso was scouted by Mexican club América, with whom he played for nine years. He is considered one of the greatest foreign players in Mexican football history, and widely regarded as the greatest player in Club América history. His debut with América came in 1970 in a league match against Atlante.

Reinoso played in over 200 matches with the Mexican club, winning the league in the 1970–71 and 1975–76 seasons, as well as the Copa México in 1973–74, a Campeón de Campeones cup in 1975–76, a CONCACAF Cup in 1977, and a Copa Interamericana in 1978. To date, he is the foreigner with the most games played for Club América, playing in 364 games across all competitions, and with 95 goals he is the club's seventh-highest scorer of all time. In 1979, Reinoso played a season with Deportivo Neza, before retiring and embarking on a coaching career.

A Chilean international, Reinoso played in 34 matches and scored 7 goals with the national team from 1966 till 1977, and played at the 1974 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 1975 Copa America.

Reader's Guide

In 1981, Reinoso was named head coach of Club América, with whom he won two league titles, most notably winning the 1983–84 final against rivals Guadalajara. He would go on to manage a number of different clubs in Mexico including former club Neza, Tigres UANL, Tampico Madero, Atlas, Veracruz, León, Atlante, Quéretaro, Tecos UAG, and San Luis, with varying degrees of success. He managed América twice more, in 1998 and 2011, and last managed Veracruz from 2015 till 2017, winning the Clausura 2016 Copa MX after defeating Necaxa in the final. He also has won two league titles of the Mexican second level with León and San Luis.

Club América Legend

Reinoso joined Club América from Audax Italiano in 1970, making his debut against Atlante. He played over 200 matches, winning the league in 1970–71 and 1975–76, the Copa México in 1973–74, a Campeón de Campeones in 1975–76, a CONCACAF Cup in 1977, and a Copa Interamericana in 1978. He is the foreigner with the most games played for the club (364) and its seventh-highest scorer with 95 goals.

International Career and Global Stage

A Chilean international from 1966 to 1977, Reinoso earned 34 caps and scored 7 goals. He played at the 1974 FIFA World Cup and the 1975 Copa America. Before moving to Mexico, he was the top scorer of the Chilean Primera División in 1968 while playing for Audax Italiano, where he made over 150 appearances after joining at age 15.

Managerial Achievements

Reinoso began coaching in 1979. He managed Club América starting in 1981, winning two league titles, including the 1983–84 final against Guadalajara. He also won second-tier league titles with León (2003 Verano) and San Luis (2004 Apertura). He returned to manage América in 1998 and 2011. His last managerial role was Veracruz from 2015 to 2017, where he won the Clausura 2016 Copa MX by defeating Necaxa.

Personal Life and Legacy

Known as 'El Gran Chaparral' due to his short height and great football qualities, a nickname given by journalist Ángel Fernández. He married singer Lupita D'Alessio and dated Verónica Castro. His son, Carlos Jr., is a former footballer and current manager. Reinoso was inducted into the Club América Hall of Fame and the Soccer Hall of Fame in 2011.