In 1958, one of Club Deportivo Guadalajara's greatest goalkeepers was born: Javier 'Zully' Ledesma, a pillar in the construction of the Rebaño Sagrado's rich history. A starter in the Rojiblanco goal and a key player in the 1986-87 championship against Cruz Azul, 'Zully' not only left his mark for his talent between the posts, but also for the unconditional love he always showed for the Guadalajara crest.
Today, on his 67th birthday, we look back at some of the highlights of his career:
1. His beginnings in Guadalajara
His first appearance with the first team was in a Nuevos Valores tournament. He himself recalls that it was not the best experience: with the field wet, a ball slipped through his gloves and ended up in the goal.
Although he thought he would not be given another chance after this event, he continued to climb the ranks until he later played in the second division with Tapatío. His good performances led him to train with the first team, and finally Carlos Miloc gave him the opportunity to make his official debut with the first team.
2. His official debut
On December 16, 1979, in Week 13 of the 79-80 season, he made his debut with Chivas in a 2-1 victory over Unión de Curtidores at the Jalisco Stadium. From then on, he established himself in goal, which he protected for 12 years, in two different stages with the club.
3. A pioneer with his feet
He was one of the first goalkeepers to innovate in Mexican soccer by constantly playing with his feet and coming out of his area, ahead of what is now common among modern goalkeepers.
4. The semifinal against América
He was part of the historic semifinal where Chivas eliminated América with a 3-0 win at the Azteca Stadium, after losing 1-2 in the first leg at the Jalisco Stadium in the 1982-83 season. Zully remembers the passion of that match, which ended in a brawl. Although he admits with a laugh that such things are not good for soccer, he points out that "everything stays on the field."
5. An unexpected goalkeeper
He did not start out as a goalkeeper, as he initially played as a midfielder in informal matches. However, on one occasion he threw himself to stop a ball and his family noticed his talent between the posts. That moment influenced his later decision to choose goalkeeping as his definitive position.
6. Key to the ninth star
In the 1986-87 season, he was key to winning the title. The team, led by Alberto Guerra, finished as league leaders with 69 points and had the best defense in the tournament, conceding only 26 goals. After beating Monterrey and Puebla in the playoffs, Chivas was crowned champion by defeating Cruz Azul in the final with an aggregate score of 4-2.
7. The end of his career
He said goodbye to professional soccer at the end of the 1991-92 season, in the quarterfinals against Puebla, a match that Chivas won 2-1 at the Jalisco Stadium. "Zully" played 151 consecutive games defending the Rojiblanco goal between 1987 and 1990.
For always giving your all to these colors and leaving your mark on the club's history, today the Rojiblanca Nation celebrates your legacy and wishes you...
Happy birthday, 'Zully'!
