Álex Aguinaga
(born June 7, 1969 in Ibarra, Ecuador) is a
famous Ecuadorian soccer midfielder. He is one of the all-time
cap leaders for the Ecuador with 109 matches, scoring 23 goals.
He is considered one of the best Ecuadorian players of all times
(if not the best). Renowned international sports journalists
call him "El Maestro" ("The Master").
On the club level, Aguinaga has played for Sociedad Deportivo
Quito, Club Atlético Guayaquil, Necaxa (where he was known as
"El Güero" (The blond one). There he obtained several
championships), and currently in Liga Deportiva Universitaria,
where he obtained the 2005 "Torneo Apertura" (opening tournament)
championship.
Aguinaga has been a central figure in Ecuador's national team
since his first appearance in the late 80's. During the 90's, he
became a national hero, recognized as the best player in the
field for Ecuador.
On a game against Chile, Aguinaga scored one of the most
beautiful goals in the national squad's history. He was inside
the area facing back against the goal, and in an almost
impossible and acrobatic move, he made a bicycle kick and
putting the ball inside the net. This assured his position as
not just a cerebral type midfielder, but also an able
goalscorer.
Thanks to a perfect pass executed by Aguinaga, Jaime Iván
Kaviedes (forward) scored with a header, thus taking Ecuador to
its first world cup (Korea-Japan 2002). Aguinaga was part of the
squad during that world cup; in which Ecuador lost to Italy
(0-2) and Mexico (1-2), but managed to beat Croatia 1-0.
Aguinaga retired from the national team after the 2002 World
Cup. He announced his retirement from professional football
after completing the 2005 "Torneo Clausura" (closing tournament)
with Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito.
He is currently living in Quito, Ecuador. After the end of the
contract with Liga, he will return to Mexico City, Mexico, where
he is established with his wife and children since the time he
played in Necaxa.
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