Claudio Suárez

Lore & Background

Nicknamed El Emperador, Suárez began his club career with Pumas, where he played from 1988 to 1996 and became champion in 1991. He moved to Guadalajara and was champion in the Verano 1997 tournament. He later played for Tigres from 1999 to the end of 2005, leading the defense and being league runner-up twice. In 2006, he moved to Major League Soccer to play for Chivas USA. He was the last active player from Mexico's 1994 FIFA World Cup squad until his retirement on 26 March 2010.

Reader's Guide

Suárez was a member and starter for the senior national team in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. He missed the 2002 World Cup due to injury but was picked for the 2006 World Cup, his third. He captained the national team for many years and officially represented Mexico 177 times, making him the 2nd player with the most caps in history for Mexico. He was selected as one of 3 overage players on the Mexico Olympic team at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Did You Know?

• Suárez was nicknamed El Emperador ('The Emperor').
• He played for Pumas, Guadalajara, Tigres, Chivas USA, and briefly for the Carolina Railhawks in an exhibition game.
• He was sent off in his last league game, a semi-final Clásico Regiomontano, due to a controversial referee decision.
• He resides in Southern California and works as a commentator for Fox Deportes.