Raúl Cárdenas


Raúl Cárdenas de la Vega was a Mexican football player and coach, and was an Olympian.

Playing career

Club

Born in Mexico City, Cárdenas began playing football with Real Club España, making his Mexican Primera División debut against Asturias F.C. in the 1947–48 season. He would play three seasons with España before the club withdrew from the league. He also competed for Mexico at the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Cárdenas played for C.D. Guadalajara, Club Deportivo Marte and Puebla F.C., before joining Zacatepec for 10 seasons. He retired from playing at age 37, becoming a coach for Cruz Azul.

International

Cárdenas represented the Mexico national football team as a player in three FIFA World Cups: 1954, 1958 and 1962 tournaments. He earned a total of 37 caps, scoring 3 goals.

Managerial career

Cárdenas had four separate stints coaching the national team, including in the 1970 FIFA World Cup, held in home soil, where they reached the quarterfinals for the first time in history. He also managed Cruz Azul towards their first 5 titles in 7 years in 8 finals. He also managed Club America for their 3rd title.
Cárdenas died in Cuernavaca, Morelos, on 25 March 2016, aged 87.

Honours

Managerial

Cruz Azul
Club America