Today is a day of celebration for the entire Nación Rojiblanca! We honor the birthday of one of the most influential figures in the recent history of Club Deportivo Guadalajara: José Juan ‘Gallito’ Vázquez, who turns 38 years old today and played a key role in securing some of the Rebaño’s most recent titles. For that reason, we take a look back at his successful journey wearing the Rojiblanca.
Arrival at Chivas
‘Gallito’ joined Guadalajara as a reinforcement for the Apertura 2016, arriving as one of the top holding midfielders in Liga MX. From his very first match defending the Rojiblanco colors, he began writing an important chapter in the club’s recent history. In fact, during his debut as a Chivas player, the team lifted the Supercopa MX 2015–16, defeating Veracruz 2–0.
His Role on the Field
He was known for his strong personality on the pitch, his ability to recover possession, distribute the ball and break lines from midfield. He also stood out for his technique when carrying the ball, his willingness to join the attack when spaces appeared, and his powerful long-range shooting.
A Key Piece in Matías Almeyda’s System
Vázquez played as a defensive midfielder, operating as a pivot and providing crucial balance in the middle of the field. His ability to cover spaces in defense while also contributing to attacking sequences made him an indispensable part of the Rojiblanco system.
The Historic Goal with Chivas
José Juan Vázquez scored only one goal while wearing the Rojiblanca — but what a goal it was. It remains one of the most important goals in the club’s recent history: the strike that secured Guadalajara’s twelfth star.
During the second leg of the CL17 Final against Tigres, with the aggregate score tied at 3–3, ‘Gallito’ appeared at the edge of the box after a rebound and calmly sent the ball into the back of the net to put the Rebaño ahead.
That goal ultimately proved decisive, giving Chivas a 4–3 aggregate victory and guiding the Rebaño to once again lift the Liga MX title, forever cementing the moment in the memory of the Nación Rojiblanca.
Total Minutes and Matches Played
José Juan played 73 official matches across his two stints with Chivas, accumulating 5,062 minutes in Rojiblanco colors. Of those appearances, 57 came as a starter, a reflection of the trust he earned within the team.
Honors with Chivas
-1 Liga MX title
-1 Copa MX title
-1 Supercopa MX title
For the great reference point you are for Guadalajara, the entire Nación Rojiblanca wishes you a very Happy Birthday, ‘Gallito’!
