Luis de la Fuente
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Luis De La Fuente, nicknamed "The Pirate", is one of the most successful Mexican footballers of all times. Born in the state of Veracruz on January 17, 1914, he was one of the most successful players to represent Aztec soccer in the world arena.
His natural position was the midfield, but his incredible ball skills and technique helped his overall field game, distributing precise passes and assisting goals when not scoring them himself. He was incredibly dangerous in the air game, where his athleticism propelled him to leap over rival defenses. He also possessed a powerful boot on both legs, being the left his strong side.
He played professionally in Mexico for Clubs “Aurrera” and then “Marte”. He played for the national team that lost in qualifiers for the World Cup of Rome in 1934. After that, he left for Spain to play for Racing de Santander. After the Spanish Civil War broke out he returned to Mexico to play for “Club Espana” and then Club América. He emigrated to Argentina in 1940 to play for Velez Sarsfield. He returned in 1942 to play again for “Marte” in Mexico.
It was in 1945 when he returned to his native state and joined the Tiburones Rojos of CD Veracruz, a team that he led to two Primera División de México championships in 1945 and 1949. It was here, as an already famous and accomplished footballer, that he reached legend status.
He retired after a very accomplished 21 year career on June 13, 1954. He died in 1972 of a heart attack and is buried in Veracruz, facing the Luis "Pirata" Fuente Stadium which carries his name and his legend.
