Jose Luis Chilavert

Jose Luis Chilavert was one of Paraguay’s greatest soccer players. Even though he played the goalie position he scored many important goals for the national team and for Velez Sarsfield (the club in Argentina were he played for a long time).

Chilavert was an expert free kicker and penalty kicker. Rivals would tremble when there was a foul and Chilavert would come running from the other end of the field to take the free or penalty kick. Chilavert is second for the goalie with the most goals in history. He also has the record for the only goal keeper to score a hat trick.

Chilavert was born in Luque, Paraguay in July 27, 1965. He made his debut in Sportivo Luqueño at fifteen years old. He moved on to Guarani, San Lorenzo (in Argentina), Real Zaragoza (in Spain), Velez Sarsfield (Argentina), Racing Club de Strasbourg (France) and Peñarol (Uruguay). Chilavert retired in 2004 playing for Velez Sarsfield, the team that he loved.

With the national team (the albirroja) Chilavert played the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. In 1995 and 1997 he was voted the world’s best goalkeeper.

The Velez Sarsfield, Chilavert won the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Club Cup in 1994. He also won the Argentinean league on many occasions.

Chilavert is also known for his strong personality and his involvement with politics. He once refused to shake hands with corrupt general Lino Oviedo. Chilavert has also had a long lasting feud with Argentinean idol, Diego Maradona.