Learn about Antonio Carbajal: An in-depth look into the life of the former footballer

Learn about Antonio Carbajal: An in-depth look into the life of the former footballer

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at January 17, 2024 at 5:24 AM

Antonio Carbajal, affectionately known as “Tota,” is a legend in the world of Mexican football. Born and raised in Mexico City, he began his illustrious career with Club España and achieved a remarkable feat by participating in five World Cup tournaments. His loyalty shone through in his long-standing commitment to Club Leon.

Antonio Carbajal's stats
Antonio Carbajal, the Mexican goalkeeper, shows his injured left hand during a training session in Hertfordshire in July 1966. Photo: Hulton Archive (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Throughout his career, he became a symbol of resilience and skill. Carbajal’s contributions to football have left an indelible mark both in Mexico and on the international stage. This article delves into the life of this legendary goalkeeper, exploring various aspects from his early days to his remarkable achievements in football.

Profile summary

Full name

Antonio Félix "Tota" Carbajal Rodríguez

Date of birth

June 7, 1929

Place of birth

Mexico City, Mexico

Nickname

“El Cinco Copas,” “Tota”

Position

Goalkeeper

Club career start

1948 with Club España

Notable club

Club León (Most of his career)

International debut

1948 Olympic Games

World Cup appearances

5 (1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966)

Total international caps

48

Managerial career start

1969

Notable managerial roles

Club León, Atlético Morelia

Retirement from football

1995

Death

May 9, 2023

Age at death

93

Is Anthony Carbajal still alive?

Antonio Carbajal, often confused with Anthony Carbajal (a photographer with ALS), passed away on May 9, 2023, at the age of 93. His remarkable journey in football, from an agile goalkeeper to a tactful manager, remains a source of inspiration.

Antonio Carbajal's age

Antonio Carbajal was born on June 7, 1929, and died on May 9, 2023. This means he was 93 years old at the time of his death.

Born in Mexico City, Antonio Carbajal lived a fulfilling life that spanned over nine decades. His career in football began in the late 1940s, and he quickly rose to prominence, becoming a national icon.

Antonio Carbajal’s cause of death

Carbajal’s passing at the age of 93 was attributed to complications related to blood pressure issues. His health had been a concern in his later years, leading to hospitalization shortly before his death. From January 2023 until his death in May 2023, Carbajal was the last surviving player from the 1950 World Cup.

Antonio Carbajal's stats

Antonio Carbajal's age
Mexico's goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal in action during training on July 05, 1966. Photo: PA Images via Getty Images (modified by author)
Source: Original

Carbajal’s football statistics are nothing short of impressive. His legendary status in the Mexican team started at the 1948 Olympic Games in London.

He made a record 48 appearances for the Mexican national team and participated in five World Cups from 1950 to 1966. Some fascinating facts about Carbajal include his nickname “El Cinco Copas,” denoting his participation in five World Cups.

The legendary goalkeeper is the first player to compete in five FIFA World Cups, having played a total of 11 matches. “Tota,” Carbajal’s nickname, stood between the posts for Mexico in the World Cups held in Brazil (1950), Switzerland (1954), Sweden (1958), Chile (1962), and England (1966). He was also the youngest goalkeeper in the 1950 tournament.

He held the five FIFA World Cups record alone for 32 years before it was initially equalled by Germany’s Lothar Matthäus. Carbajal’s fellow Mexicans Rafael Marquez, Guillermo Ochoa and Andres Guardado, along with Gianluigi Buffon, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have also since equalled his record.

Also nicknamed “La Tota,” he spent 18 years in his club career, having a staggering 409 appearances, primarily with Club León. Most of his career was with León, where he played 364 games in 16 years.

He also played 45 games for Club España. While Carbajal claimed he attracted interest from Real Madrid during 1950-1954, the Mexican ultimately remained in his domestic league, predominantly playing for Club Leon in his native city throughout his career.

Post-retirement, his passion for the sport extended another 26 years, from 1969 to 1995. Additionally, he oversaw 722 games, including a decade with Atlético de Morelia from 1985 to 1995.

He was rightfully inducted into the Mexican Football Hall of Fame in 1971, cementing his status as one of Mexico’s greatest athletes. In 1999, Carbajal was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit, the highest honour given by FIFA, for his outstanding contribution to the sport of football.

Antonio Carbajal's family

Antonio Carbajal's family
Antonio Carbajal, the Mexican goalkeeper training at Lyon's Sports Ground, Sudbury, on 5th May 1961. Photo: Keystone
Source: Getty Images

Carbajal’s family, though not extensively covered in the media, played a significant role in his life. However, it is revealed that his father, Manuel, was a bus driver, and his mother, Maria, supplemented the family income by taking in laundry. After his brother was killed by a car while playing street football, his father tried to forbid Antonio from playing.

Antonio Carbajal’s trophies

Throughout his career, Carbajal collected numerous trophies and accolades. As a player, he won the Primera División, Copa México, and the Campeón de Campeones with León. As a manager, he led teams to win Copa México and the Segunda División. His individual recognitions include a spot in the IFFHS CONCACAF Men’s Team of All Time in 2021.

Antonio Carbajal’s favourite food

While not much is publicly known about Antonio’s favourite food, it is speculated that, like many Mexicans, he enjoyed the rich and varied cuisine of his homeland. The flavours of Mexico, from traditional tacos to savoury mole, are known to be favourites among the country’s sports legends.

Antonio Carbajal’s life and career offer an inspiring story of talent, perseverance, and love for football. From his early days in Mexico City to his legendary status in the sport, Carbajal remains an icon, not just in Mexican football but in the global sports community.

READ ALSO: Where and when was Pele born? Looking at Pele’s childhood

Sports Brief published an article about where and when Pele was born. Pelé was a legendary soccer player who conquered the game. Many football pundits, experts and fans consider him the king of the sport.

He came from a humble beginning and rose to stardom. Where and when was Pelé born and raised? Click on the above link to read more!

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.