Today is a special day for the Rojiblanca Nation, as we come together with joy and affection to celebrate another year in the life of one of the great icons in the history of Guadalajara: Demetrio Madero. Born on December 22, 1960, today we celebrate 65 years of a defender who was totally devoted to the Rojiblanca jersey and league champion in the 1986-87 season, an achievement that marked him forever in the history of the club.
For his great legacy with Guadalajara, here are five facts about Demetrio Madero that left their mark on the team he loves.
Demetrio's discovery
As if destiny had already been written, Demetrio Madero was discovered during an exhibition tour of the Campeonísimo in his native Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, in a friendly match against the local team. In that match, Raúl 'Pina' Arellano noticed his qualities as a footballer, told him he had what it takes to play, and encouraged him to try his luck at Tapatío.
With great effort, his mother was the main driving force behind his move to Guadalajara in search of that opportunity. After many sacrifices, 'Deme' managed to stay with the club's affiliate team, where, as he himself has mentioned, he worked hard every day with discipline, always focused on the next goal. That mentality was key to opening the doors to Guadalajara's first team.
Beginnings at Chivas
Demetrio's journey within the institution began at the highest level of the Rojiblanca youth academy. His first coaches were two Guadalajara legends: first, he was under the command of Salvador 'Chava' Reyes, who would later be replaced by José 'Jamaicón' Villegas. Madero recalls that it was the latter who gave him the confidence he needed to establish himself as a starter in that Rojiblanca squad.
That group of young players managed to qualify for the league playoffs, which led to Demetrio being called up to sign a contract with the first team. However, it wasn't until the 1980 tournament that he formally began his journey in the First Division with Chivas.
Championship in the 1986-87 season
Madero was a key player in the Rebaño Sagrado's central defense during the 1986-87 season, when they won the league title in a memorable final against Cruz Azul. Guadalajara won with authority by an aggregate score of 4-2, a result that meant the ninth star in the club's history.
A career entirely with the Rojiblancos
Wearing the number 4 jersey, Demetrio Madero dedicated his entire professional career to defending the Rojiblanca shirt, establishing himself as a symbol of identity, commitment, and belonging within Guadalajara.
The historic Quirarte-Madero duo
One of the most memorable stages of his career came with the consolidation of the defensive duo alongside Fernando 'Sheriff' Quirarte, which gained strength with the arrival of Alberto Guerra in 1982. This pair of center backs achieved a remarkable understanding on the field, complementing each other perfectly and forming one of the most solid defenses of that era and a friendship that continues to this day.
For all your commitment and dedication to this shirt, the entire Rojiblanca Nation wishes you a happy birthday, Demetrio!
