This Saturday, August 17, we are celebrating, as one of the most representative men in Guadalajara's recent era turns 50 years old. That's right, Chivahermanos, Joel 'Tiburón' Sánchez reached one more year of life and here we'll give you a recount of what he was as a footballer and everything he contributed to the Rebaño Sagrado.
Tibu' was always characterized by his particular love for the Red and White, which is why he is one of the references when it comes to identity and commitment.
Sánchez is a product of the Cantera Rojiblanca, where he arrived when he was just 12 years old and made his debut with Chivas in the First Division in the 1992-1993 season under Alberto Guerra. In total, he completed 2 stages in the Rebaño: the first from 1992 to 1999 and the second from 2001 to 2003.
He was champion with Guadalajara in the summer of 1997, thanks to the convincing 6-1 victory over Toros Neza at the Jalisco Stadium. In that final series, 'Tibu' was a starter and a fundamental part of the Rebaño Sagrado, so his name was engraved in golden letters in the Club's history.
His tremendous work with the Rojiblanca catapulted him to the National Team, both in youth and senior categories. Joel Sanchez participated in the U-17 World Cup in Italy in 1991, in the U-20 World Cup in Australia in 1993 and in the 1998 World Cup in France. Speaking of continental tournaments, he was part of the Tri team that played in the 1997 and 1999 Copa América.
One of the main achievements of the 'Tibu' at National Team level was winning the Confederations Cup against Brazil in 1999.
There is no doubt that Joel Sánchez marked an era in Guadalajara, due to his quality as a player and human being, in addition to his eternal love for the colors that formed him as a professional player.
