Today we remember the birthday of one of Guadalajara's greatest legends, a man who became a true beast in the central defense of the Rebaño Sagrado and an undisputed part of the legendary Campeonísimo: Guillermo 'Tigre' Sepúlveda. Thanks to the strength, determination, and love with which he defended every ball, he captivated everyone who saw him play for Guadalajara, teaching us what it means to be Rojiblanco from the heart.
Therefore, below, we share with you, in chronicle format, his life and the legacy he left behind at the team he loved.
First half: Beginnings
'El Tigre' was born on November 29, 1934, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and from a very young age, he discovered his great physical abilities. As he himself said in interviews, "I always felt like a winner in any discipline I practiced," although soccer was his passion, which he played in the famous 'cascaritas' (street games) in his neighborhood.
That's where the opportunity that would change his life arose, when Jesús Guerrero, coach of the Primera Fuerza, invited several young people, including 'Chava' Reyes and 'Mellone' Gutiérrez, to play in the Jalisco amateur league. There, they stood out with SUTAJ and later represented the state in the Juegos de la Revolución, a tournament in which they were crowned champions.
Thanks to this great performance, Guadalajara decided to sign this talented group, which included 'El Tigre', professionally, thus beginning the journey that would mark the successful history of the Rebaño Sagrado.
Second half: Debut and consolidation with Chivas
'El Tigre' made his debut in none other than a Clásico de México in the 1953-54 season and started his career on the right foot, as the Rebaño won by the smallest of margins. The following year, he earned a starting spot in the second half of the season and played in 10 games.
Despite being part of the famous "Ya Merito" era, when the team came close to glory, Sepúlvaeda imposed his personality and leadership to become an absolute reference point in the Rojiblanca defense and a key pillar in leaving behind the era of "almosts," paving the way for the beginning of Guadalajara's golden age.
Thus, he became a key player in Chiverío's first league title in 1956-57 against Irapuato and, as he himself recalled: "All the bells in Guadalajara rang after we were crowned champions for the first time." From then on, his name was linked to success, as he won a total of seven league championships with the Rebaño.
Extra time: Legacy
To talk about his legacy is to remember his contribution to the country's greatest rivalry, as in the 1965 Campeón de Campeones final against América, he starred in one of the most famous anecdotes in Mexican soccer. After being sent off in a move he considered unfair, he took off his Rojiblanca shirt and threw it onto the Azulcrema bench while uttering the phrase that would live on forever: "That's it for you," and indeed, "that was it for them," because Chivas ended up winning the title despite playing with one man down.
That character, along with his leadership and absolute love for the jersey, made him an eternal figure for the Chiva Nation, reminding us that greatness is built on the field, but born from the heart.
Goals: Championships with Guadalajara
- Liga MX: 7
- Campeón de Campeones: 6
- Concacaf: 1
- Copa de México: 1
Dangerous plays: World Cups played
- Sweden 1958
- Chile 1962
Lineups: Teammates with whom he shared the field and locker room
- Arturo 'Cura' Chaires
- José 'Jamaicón' Villegas
- Salvador Reyes
- Crescencio 'Mellone' Gutiérrez
