Zenón Díaz facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 31 December 1880 | ||
| Place of birth | San Marcos, Córdoba, Argentina | ||
| Date of death | 5 September 1948 (aged 67) | ||
| Place of death | Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1903–1919 | Rosario Central | 150 | (8) |
| National team | |||
| 1905–1916 | Argentina | 10 | (0) |
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Zenón Díaz (born December 31, 1880 – died September 5, 1948) was a famous Argentine footballer. He played as a defender for Rosario Central. During his time there, he helped his team win four national cups.
Zenón Díaz was also a talented athlete. He was especially good at jumping and throwing events.
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Zenón Díaz: Football Legend
Playing for Rosario Central
Zenón Díaz began his football journey as a goalkeeper for Rosario Central. Club leaders saw him playing in the streets and were amazed by how well he used his hands. He played his first game as a goalkeeper in 1903 against Rosario A.C. Central lost that match 2–1.
However, Zenón did not stay as a goalkeeper for long. He said he preferred to play where he could run more. So, he became a defender. As a defender, he became one of the best and most well-known players of his time.
He played for Rosario Central from 1903 until 1919. He retired after a game against their big rivals, Newell's Old Boys, on May 4. In a funny moment during his last game, he played the final minutes as a goalkeeper. He had to replace his nephew, Octavio Díaz, who got hurt and left the field.
Zenón Díaz played about 150 games and scored eight goals for Rosario Central. He won four national cups and seven regional titles with the team. Like many players back then, he also worked at the Central Argentine Railway. Zenón was known for his strong defending and his amazing slide tackles. These tackles were his signature move on the field.
Representing Argentina
Zenón Díaz also played for the Argentina national team. His first game for Argentina was in 1905 against the English club Nottingham Forest. This game happened during their tour in South America.
His last match with Argentina was in 1916 against Uruguay. Zenón Díaz was very special because he was the first player born in Argentina (not of British origin) to play for the national team. He played in several cups against Uruguay. He also took part in the very first Copa América tournament in 1916.
Life After Football
In 1939, Zenón Díaz attended the 50th anniversary celebration of Club Rosario Central. The club honored him as one of their most important players. He even carried the flag during the special ceremony.
Zenón also appeared on a radio show called La Voz del Deporte (which means "The Voice of Sports"). He was part of a special episode celebrating the club's 50th birthday. Zenón Díaz passed away on September 5, 1948, after a long illness.
What He Won
- Copa de Competencia La Nación (1): 1913
- Copa Ibarguren (1): 1915
- Copa de Competencia Jockey Club (1): 1916
- Copa Honor MCBA (1): 1916
- Copa Nicasio Vila (6): 1908, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1919
- Federación Rosarina de Football: 1913
- Argentina
- Copa Lipton (1): 1906
- Copa Premier Honor Argentino (1): 1913
- Copa Newton (1): 1916
- Copa Premier Honor Uruguayo (1): 1916
