Mexican soccer legend Antonio Carbajal, the first footballer to play in five World Cups, has died aged 93.
Known as El Cinco Copas after his achievement, he played in the Brazil 1950, Switzerland 1954, Sweden 1958, Chile 1962 and England 1966 World Cups.
Carbajal held the record alone for 32 years until it was equaled by German Lothar Matthaus in 1998.
He won 48 caps for his country, including 11 World Cups, in addition to 409 club appearances.
Most of his 18-year-old playing career was spent at Mexican side Club Leon, where he played 364 games during a 16-year spell.
The club has announced that it will open the gates of its stadium on Thursday to allow fans to pay tribute to “La Tota” in the company of his family.
“Don Antonio, legends never die,” the club said.
“We will always follow your hand. It’s an honor to be your team.”
The club told supporters: “With honour, respect and love, let’s say our last goodbye to the Emerald legend.”
A total of seven players have matched Carbajal’s historic performance by playing in five World Cups – including three of his compatriots.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and midfielder Andres Guardado both played their fifth World Cup in Qatar last year, as did Argentina legend Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rafael Marquez became the second Mexican player to do so in 2018, with Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon making his fifth World Cup appearance in 2014.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Antonio Carbajal, the first player to have played in five FIFA World Cups.
“I send our deepest condolences to his family and to all the Mexican fans who mourn his loss.”
