Carlos Gamarra facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Carlos Gamarra

Gamarra in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Carlos Alberto Gamarra Pavón
Date of birth	(1971-02-17) 17 February 1971 (age 54)
Place of birth	Ypacaraí, Paraguay
Height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s)	Centre back
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1991–1992	Cerro Porteño	35	(2)
1992–1993	Independiente	8	(0)
1993–1995	Cerro Porteño	49	(2)
1995–1997	Internacional	59	(5)
1997–1998	Benfica	13	(0)
1998–1999	Corinthians	31	(3)
1999–2000	Atlético Madrid	32	(0)
2000–2002	Flamengo	4	(1)
2001–2002	→ AEK Athens (loan)	24	(0)
2002–2005	Internazionale	27	(0)
2005–2006	Palmeiras	33	(2)
2007	Olimpia	25	(1)
Total		340	(16)
International career
1992–2004	Paraguay U23	18	(6)
1993–2006	Paraguay	110	(12)
Medal record Representing  Paraguay Men's Football Silver 2004 Athens Team Competition
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Carlos Alberto Gamarra Pavón, born on February 17, 1971, is a famous former football player from Paraguay. He played as a centre back, which is a defender who helps protect the goal.

Carlos was the captain of the Paraguay national team for many years. He played in 110 international games, scoring 12 goals, making him one of Paraguay's most experienced players ever. People knew Gamarra for his strong leadership, physical power, and amazing tackling skills. He was great at heading the ball and was one of the most respected defenders in South America.

Gamarra played for Paraguay from 1993 to 2006. He took part in 10 big tournaments, including three FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, and 2006) and five Copa América tournaments. He also played in two Summer Olympics, winning a Silver Medal in 2004. In 1997 and 1998, he was named the Paraguayan Footballer of the Year. He was also chosen for the 1998 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.

Carlos Gamarra's Club Career

Early Years in Paraguay and Brazil

Carlos Gamarra started his football journey in 1991 with Cerro Porteño in his home country, Paraguay. He quickly helped his team win the Paraguayan national championship in 1992. After that, he moved to Independiente in Argentina for a short time in 1992-1993, before returning to Cerro Porteño.

In 1995, Gamarra joined Internacional in Brazil. This move helped him become even more famous. His great play led to him being named the Paraguayan Footballer of the Year in both 1997 and 1998.

Playing in Europe and Back to Brazil

After his success in Brazil, Gamarra moved to Europe. He played for S.L. Benfica in Portugal during the 1997-1998 season. Then, he went back to Brazil to play for SC Corinthians, where he helped them win the Brazilian Championship in 1998.

In 1999, Gamarra moved to Spain to play for Atlético Madrid. However, the team was surprisingly moved down to a lower league in 2000. Gamarra then returned to Brazil again, joining Flamengo. For the 2001-2002 season, he played on loan for AEK Athens in Greece. There, he played in 24 league games and helped the team win the Greek Cup.

Later Career with Inter Milan and Retirement

After his strong performance at the 2002 World Cup, Gamarra joined Internazionale (often called Inter Milan) in Italy's Serie A for the 2002-2003 season. He played 14 games that season, and Inter finished second in the league. He stayed with Inter until 2005, though he played fewer games in his later seasons there.

In July 2005, he joined the Brazilian team Palmeiras. In 2007, Gamarra decided to return to Paraguay to finish his football career. He signed with Olimpia and officially retired after the 2007 season.

Carlos Gamarra's International Career

Representing Paraguay

Carlos Gamarra played his first international game for Paraguay on March 27, 1993, against Bolivia.

He made a big impact during Paraguay's journey in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Paraguay reached the second round but was knocked out by France, who went on to win the tournament. Gamarra played in all four of Paraguay's games. He was highly praised for his defensive skills and did not commit a single foul in any of his matches! Because of this, FIFA named him as part of the World Cup All-Star Team.

At the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, Paraguay again reached the second round. Gamarra played every minute of Paraguay's games and, once more, finished the tournament without committing any fouls.

Olympic Success and Final World Cup

Gamarra was the captain of the Paraguay team that won a silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. They lost 1-0 to Argentina in the final match.

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Gamarra unfortunately scored an own goal in his team's first match against England. This happened very early in the game, after just three minutes, and led to England's 1-0 win. This was the fastest own goal in World Cup history at the time. During the 2006 World Cup, Gamarra announced that he was retiring from the Paraguay national team.

Carlos Gamarra's Awards and Achievements

Team Trophies

• Cerro Porteño
  • Paraguayan League: 1992, 1994
  • Torneo República: 1991
• Internacional
  • Campeonato Gaúcho: 1997
• Corinthians
  • Brazilian Championship: 1998
  • Campeonato Paulista: 1999
• Flamengo
  • Campeonato Carioca: 2001
  • Copa dos Campeões: 2001
• AEK Athens
  • Greek football Cup: 2002
• Internazionale
  • Coppa Italia: 2005
• Paraguay
  • Silver medal, Olympic Games: 2004

Individual Awards

• El País South America Ideal Team of the Year: 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2005
• Paraguayan Footballer of the Year: 1997, 1998
• FIFA World Cup: All-star team 1998
• 1998 Best Defender CONMEBOL
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2005
• Bola de Prata: 1995, 1996, 1998, 2005

Images for kids

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  Gamarra in 2019

See also

In Spanish: Carlos Gamarra para niños