This Wednesday, January 7, we come together to celebrate—with deep admiration—one of the most representative and dedicated figures in the recent history of Club Deportivo Guadalajara. A footballer who lifted a league trophy with the Rebaño Sagrado and left an indelible legacy both on and off the pitch: Paulo César ‘El Tilón’ Chávez.
1. The early years of Paulo César Chávez
Paulo was born on January 7, 1976, in Atemajac, a neighborhood he himself describes as deeply rooted in football culture. From a very young age, he practiced several sports, though he always maintained a special bond with football—the discipline he ultimately chose to pursue as he began his professional career.
2. Arrival at Chivas
‘Tilón’ arrived at Guadalajara when he was just nine years old. During a match held as part of a club anniversary celebration, he was spotted by Chivas scouts, who invited him to join the club’s football academy. From that moment on, he began to write his successful story with the Rebaño.
3. BenjamínGalindo: his greatest idol
In interviews, Chávez has shared that after finishing his training sessions, he would take advantage of the proximity between the academy and the first team’s facilities to watch them train. Among the players he remembers are Demetrio Madero, Fernando Quirarte, and Omar Arellano; however, his greatest idol was always Benjamín Galindo.
He even had the opportunity to get to know him up close, as Galindo would occasionally give him a ride home. This allowed Chávez to discover his humility and human quality, while also confirming him as a true 'Maestro' on the pitch.
4. Debut with Chivas
'Tilón' made his debut with Chivas at a very young age—just 17—during the 1993–1994 season. During that period, he shared the locker room with great figures from the club who, in his own words, taught him what it means to defend the Guadalajara crest, as well as the winning mentality and commitment required to wear the red-and-white jersey.
5. Summer 1997 Semifinal: the most important match of his career
According to Chávez himself, the best match of his career was the Summer 1997 semifinal against Monarcas Morelia. After a 1–1 aggregate score, 'Tilón' scored the goal that sent Chivas through to the Final, despite heading into the second leg at Estadio Jalisco trailing. That goal proved decisive, as the team’s higher position in the standings allowed the Rebaño to advance and dream of another championship.
6. Summer 1997 Championship
As foretold from the very beginning of his career, something great was destined for Chávez. In the Summer 1997 tournament, he helped lift the tenth league title for the Rebaño Sagrado, etching his name into the club’s rich history. He also played a direct role in the second leg of the Final, scoring in the 51st minute to make it 2–0 in the historic 6–1 rout of Toros Neza at Estadio Jalisco, capping off an unforgettable night for Chivas.
For your commitment and love for these colors, the entire Rojiblanca Nation comes together to wish you: Happy Birthday, 'Tilón'!
