Few people can say they’ve been connected to the club of their dreams for a lifetime, and one of them is Mariano Varela, who, after hanging up his boots as a Rojiblanco player, has remained closely tied to Chivas, always showing a deep commitment to the institution and the sporting development of la Cantera Rojiblanca.
On the occasion of his 54th birthday, we take a look back at Mariano Varela’s career with Club Guadalajara:
His time as a Guadalajara player
Mariano Varela wore the Guadalajara jersey from 1994 to 2002 and was part of an important generation in the late 90s, as he was a member of those Súper Chivas who won the league title in Verano 1997, one of the most memorable championships for la Nación Rojiblanca.
From the pitch to sports management
After retiring from professional football, he returned to the club in 2005 as Technical Secretary of the first team, being part of the structure that won the Apertura 2006 title.
He later took on the role of Sporting Director at Saprissa in Costa Rica in 2007, where he won three consecutive league titles, as well as finishing as runner-up in the 2007 UNCAF tournament and the 2008 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup.
A 100 percent institutional figure
Mariano Varela has held several roles throughout different stages at the club, including Technical Secretary, Sporting Coordinator, Sporting Director, Institutional Football Director, and currently Sporting Director of Tapatío.
From these positions, he has contributed to planning, monitoring, and talent development, allowing him to play a key role in shaping players who are now part of the first team.
His current role at the club
As Sporting Director of Tapatío, he is responsible for the top representative of la Cantera Rojiblanca, which in this Clausura 2026 has been fighting for the top spots in the standings and is shaping up as a contender for the title in the Liga de Expansión MX playoffs.
Today we say: Happy birthday, Mariano!
