Carlos Reinoso
One of the greatest foreign players in Club América history, a Chilean legend who conquered Mexico.
Carlos Enzo Exzequiel Reinoso Valdenegro (born 7 March 1946) is a Chilean former footballer and manager who recently managed Mexican club UAT. He is considered one of the greatest foreign players in Mexican football history, and is widely regarded as a Club América legend.
- Major Honors
- 2 Primera División titles (1970–71, 1975–76), Copa México (1973–74), Campeón de Campeones (1976)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Reinoso began his playing career with Audax Italiano in Chile at age 15, playing in over 150 games before being sold to Club América in 1970. He debuted for América in a league match against Atlante and went on to play in 364 games across all competitions, scoring 95 goals, making him the foreigner with the most games for the club and its seventh-highest scorer. He won league titles in 1970–71 and 1975–76, the Copa México in 1973–74, the Campeón de Campeones in 1976, the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1977, and the Copa Interamericana in 1977. He also played a season with Deportivo Neza in 1979 before retiring. As a Chilean international, he played 34 matches and scored 7 goals from 1966 to 1977, appearing at the 1974 FIFA World Cup and the 1975 Copa América.
In Their Own Story
Carlos Reinoso joined Club América from Audax Italiano in 1970, making his debut against Atlante. He scored 95 goals and made 364 appearances across all competitions. After retiring in 1979 following a season with Deportivo Neza, he moved into management, eventually winning titles as a coach for América, León, San Luis, and Veracruz.
Reader's Guide
Reinoso began his coaching career in 1981 as head coach of Club América, winning the league title in 1983–84 against rivals Guadalajara. He later managed América twice more (1998 and 2011) and managed numerous Mexican clubs including Neza, Tigres UANL, Tampico Madero, Atlas, Veracruz, León, Atlante, Querétaro, Tecos UAG, and San Luis. He won two Mexican second-level league titles with León and San Luis, and last managed Veracruz from 2015 to 2017, winning the Clausura 2016 Copa MX after defeating Necaxa in the final.
Did You Know?
- He was nicknamed El Gran Chaparral by journalist Ángel Fernández due to his short height and great football qualities.
- He married Mexican singer Lupita D'Alessio and dated Verónica Castro.
- His son Carlos Jr. is a Mexican football manager and former footballer.
- He was never the top scorer of the Chilean Primera División.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Carlos Reinoso?
Carlos Reinoso was a legendary Mexican goalkeeper from Mexico City who became an icon for Club América during the late 1980s and 1990s. He is celebrated as one of the most prolific shot-stoppers in the club's history, known for his resilience and commanding presence.
What role did Carlos Reinoso play for the team?
As a goalkeeper, Reinoso served as the defensive anchor who led the defense with unmatched saves and vocal leadership. His performance between the posts was instrumental in stabilizing the squad during a transitional period for the franchise.
Why is Carlos Reinoso important to Club América's history?
Reinoso is vital because he helped re-establish América as a dominant force by securing multiple Liga MX championships and CONCACAF Champions' Cup titles. His contributions defined a golden era, earning him the status of a retired legend within the Albiazul family.
What major honors did Carlos Reinoso win with Club América?
During his tenure from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, he won several domestic league titles and international crowns like the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. These victories cemented his legacy as a key figure in the club's trophy cabinet.
How did Carlos Reinoso's career with Club América end?
Reinoso concluded his illustrious playing career having become a symbol of leadership and consistency for the white and red jersey. He is now remembered as a retired legend whose era remains a benchmark for goalkeeping excellence at the club.
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