This December 29, Club Deportivo Guadalajara and the Rojiblanca Nation commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Salvador Reyes, one of the greatest figures in the history of Mexican football and Chivas’ ultimate icon, whose name is forever engraved in the identity of the Rebaño Sagrado.
To speak of Chava Reyes is to speak of absolute belonging. His story with Guadalajara began at a very young age, performing various duties within the club before fulfilling the dream of making his First Division debut at just 16 years old. From that moment on, he began a career that not only marked an era, but also defined the DNA of Mexico’s most popular team.
His sporting legacy is monumental. For more than four decades, he was the club’s all-time leading scorer in league play, with 122 goals—a historic record that withstood the test of time. He scored the goal that gave Chivas its first professional title in 1957, igniting the beginning of an unforgettable era later known as the Campeonísimo. For six consecutive seasons, he was Chivas’ top scorer, establishing himself as a fundamental piece of that legendary team.
On the biggest stages, Chava Reyes always delivered. He is Chivas’ all-time leading scorer in the Clásico de México, with 14 goals, and he played a key role in the club’s first international title by scoring a hat trick against Comunicaciones of Guatemala in the 1962 Concacaf Champions’ Cup final. Even internationally, he left his mark by scoring twice against Barcelona at Camp Nou—an achievement that further elevated his legacy.
With the Mexican National Team, he also wrote memorable chapters. He participated in three FIFA World Cups (Sweden 1958, Chile 1962 and England 1966) and scored the goal that secured Mexico’s qualification for the 1962 World Cup, confirming his stature both at home and abroad.
Beyond the numbers and the titles, Salvador Reyes embodied the values of Guadalajara like few others: humility, dedication, commitment and unconditional love for the jersey. His famous quote, “I’m not a Chiva by heart, I’m a Chiva by birth,” perfectly captures the eternal bond he maintained with the club throughout his life.
The institution has honored his greatness by retiring the number 8, as a permanent symbol of respect and recognition for who is, and always will be, the greatest Rojiblanco legend.
On this anniversary of his passing, Chivas honors the memory of Salvador ‘Chava’ Reyes not only as an irreplaceable footballer, but as an eternal emblem of identity, history and pride. His legacy lives on in every generation that understands that being Rojiblanco is, above all, a lifelong commitment.
Salvador ‘Chava’ Reyes: the eternal legacy of Chivas’ greatest icon
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