Antonio Carbajal, a Mexican football hero and the only player to compete in five World Cups, passed away at the age of 93.
The goalie, known as “La Tota,” competed in the games held in Brazil in 1950, Switzerland in 1954, Sweden in 1958, Chile in 1962, and England in 1966.
For 32 years, Carbajal held the record exclusively before it was matched in 1998 by Lothar Matthaus of Germany.
Along with 409 club appearances, he earned 48 caps for his nation, 11 of which came at World Cups.
He played 364 games during a 16-year period for Mexican team Club Leon for the most of his 18-year playing career.
The club said it would open the doors to its stadium on Thursday to allow fans to pay their respects to Carbajal, also known as “El Cinco Copas” after his achievement, in the company of his family.
“Don Antonio, legends never die,” the club said.
“We will always follow your hand. It is an honour to be your team.”
The club told supporters: “With honour, respect and love, let’s say our last goodbye to the emerald legend.”
Five players, including two of Carbajal’s countrymen, have participated in five World Cups, matching the record set by the player.
Andres Guardado, a midfielder for Mexico, participated in his fifth World Cup in Qatar last year, as did Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina.
In 2018, Rafael Marquez became the second athlete from Mexico to achieve so.
Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa, stated: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Antonio Carbajal, the first player to start in five Fifa World Cups.
I offer his family and all of his mourning Mexican fans our deepest condolences.