The legends that last in the memory of the fans are those that win the hearts of their people and the best example was born on a day like today in Ocotlán, Jalisco, and always showed a 100 percent red and white identity. Today, on his 44th birthday, we celebrate Carlos Salcido, one of the last idols of the Rebaño Sagrado, who transcended beyond the pitch.
His history of effort and self-improvement was rewarded with all the great successes he achieved in his sporting career. He played as a starter in 95 percent of his Liga and Liguilla matches with Guadalajara, as he started in 211 of 222 appearances with the team of his love. Below, we present the 5 most emotional moments of Carlos with Chivas.
Debut in the First Division
It was two years of arduous effort in the ranks of El Tapatío that were reflected on July 22, 2001. A young Salcido was called upon by Oscar Ruggeri to make his debut in the Maximum Circuit, where he played 21 minutes on Day 1 of the 2001 Winter Tournament against La Piedad. That midday, the historic defender of the Rebaño came on as a substitute for another of the club's idols, Omar Bravo.
Leap to Europe
The confidence of 'Yayo' De la Torre in 2003 gave him the necessary impulse to take a place in the Tapatío team and never let go again. His performances in Liga MX, where he played in the 2004 Clausura final, in addition to his legendary performances in the Copa Libertadores, attracted the attention of Dutch PSV Eindhoven, which made him the first purchase of a Mexican player from a club in that country in 2006.
Despite no longer being part of the Champion team against Toluca in the Clausura 2006, Carlos did not miss any match despite the time difference and celebrated as another Chivahermano the 11th title of our club.
Return home
Eight years passed since his triumphant exit from the fold to make a name for himself in the Eredivisie, the Premier League and the Champions League, until he returned to wear the red and white jersey once again. It was in the 2014 Apertura, in a match against Jaguares on the opening day of the tournament, that Salcido's name was once again seen on the pitch at the Akron Stadium.
A dream semester
The international experience was evident in Carlos' game, who played a leading role in the red and white team both in the defense and in the midfield during the first half of 2017, as he put his best individual version at the service of the team to fulfill his great dream: to be Champion with Chivas. That group achieved the historic Clausura 2017 double by winning Liga MX and Copa MX.
Continental champion
Salcido's history with Guadalajara could not be limited to local titles. In April 2018, at home and with the entire Rojiblanco Nation supporting his team, Salcido was in charge of lifting the CONCACAF Champions League trophy after beating Toronto FC in the Second Leg Final.
Rojiblanco Bonus
After his departure from Chivas in 2018 and his subsequent signing with Veracruz, Carlos returned to the Fortaleza Rojiblanca in Apertura 2019, where he was received as the great reference that he is: he had his photo taken with the Chivas squad, in addition to his former teammates lifting him up to celebrate his enviable career.
