Alcaraz represented the Paraguay national team from 2008 to 2012, including at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
He concluded his career at Club Olimpia, where he played until 2023.
Alcaraz won multiple league titles with Club Libertad and Club Olimpia during his career.
Biography
Early Life
Antolín Alcaraz Viveros was born in San Roque González de Santa Cruz, Paraguay, where he grew up in a humble environment. As a teenager, he worked as a builder's assistant, not initially aspiring to a career in professional football. However, at the age of 18, his life took a turn when he met scout Carlos Bruni, who recognized his potential and brought him to Argentina's Racing Club de Avellaneda.
Career
Alcaraz's professional career began at Racing Club in 2001, but he struggled for playing time. He was loaned to ACF Fiorentina in 2002, but the club faced financial difficulties, leading to his return to South America. In January 2003, he signed with S.C. Beira-Mar in Portugal, where he became a key player, helping the team return to the Primeira Liga. His success led him to Club Brugge in Belgium in 2007, where he solidified his position as a first-choice defender.
In 2010, Alcaraz moved to Wigan Athletic in the English Premier League, where he won the FA Cup in 2013. He continued his career with stints at Everton F.C., UD Las Palmas, and Club Libertad, before finishing at Club Olimpia in 2023. Internationally, Alcaraz represented Paraguay from 2008 to 2012, participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2011 Copa América, where he played a crucial role in the team's success.
Legacy
Throughout his career, Alcaraz was known for his defensive skills as a centre-back. He achieved significant honors, including league titles with Libertad and Olimpia, and was part of the Paraguay national team that finished as runners-up in the 2011 Copa América. His journey from a builder's assistant to a professional footballer is a testament to his determination and talent in the sport.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Early years and Beira-Mar
Hailing from a humble background, Alcaraz worked throughout his teenage years as a builder's assistant in his hometown of San Roque González de Santa Cruz in the Paraguarí Department. He started his career at Club Teniente Fariña in the city of Ñemby, but he did not have the intention of one day playing professional football. Whilst Alcaraz was working as a builder at the age of 18, he met scout and football agent Carlos Bruni who took him to Argentina's Racing Club de Avellaneda. He appeared rarely during his spell. Alcaraz was loaned to ACF Fiorentina in 2002, but the Italians soon faced bankruptcy and regrouped in the Lega Pro Seconda Divisione. He then had a trial at U.S. Città di Palermo, but nothing came of it. In January 2003, Alcaraz signed for Portuguese club S.C. Beira-Mar. After seven appearances in half a season, he became a defensive mainstay at the Aveiro side. In 2005–06 he helped them return to the Primeira Liga, playing 31 matches.
Brugge
Alcaraz joined Club Brugge KV in Belgium on 30 April 2007, with the deal being effective as of July. After a slow first season he also eventually became first choice, helping his team to two third-places and one second.
Wigan Athletic
On 14 May 2010, Alcaraz signed with Wigan Athletic on a free transfer for an undisclosed fee, as his contract with Brugge was due to expire at the end of June; his new manager, Roberto Martínez, stated that the player was in "the best form…
In November 2008, Alcaraz received his first call-up to the Paraguay national team at the age of 26. He was picked for the squad present at the 2010 FIFA World Cup; on 14 June, in the group stage opener against Italy, in just his seventh cap, he headed home through a powerful header following a set piece in an eventual 1–1 draw in Cape Town, and went on to play all the matches (save one due to suspension) and minutes for the quarter-finalists. Alcaraz was again first choice for Paraguay during the 2011 Copa América, held in Argentina. On 13 July, he scored the 1–1 equaliser against Venezuela in an eventual 3–3 group stage draw. Four days later, in the quarter-finals with Brazil, he was sent off after an altercation with Lucas Leiva, and the national side finished runners-up.
Club
As of match played 19 March 2015
International
Scores and results list Paraguay's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Alcaraz goal
- Club
- Racing Club (2001–2002)
- Club
- S.C. Beira-Mar (2003–2007)
- Club
- ACF Fiorentina (2002–2002)
- Club
- Wigan Athletic F.C. (2010–2013)
- Club
- Club Brugge K.V. (2007–2010)
- Club
- Everton F.C. (2013–2015)
- Club
- UD Las Palmas (2015–2016)
- Club
- Club Libertad (2016–2018)
- Club
- Paraguay men's national football team (2008–2012)
- Club
- Club Olimpia (2019–2023)
- League
- Premier League
- National team
- Paraguay
Legacy
Club
Beira-Mar
Segunda Liga: 2005–06 Wigan Athletic
FA Cup: 2012–13 Libertad
Paraguayan Primera División: 2016 Apertura, 2017 Apertura Olimpia
Paraguayan Primera División: 2019
International
Paraguay
Copa América runner-up: 2011
Clubs
Played together with
Aaron LennonEverton F.C. · 2015–2015- Aaron LennonEverton F.C. · 2015–2018
- Aarón EscandellUD Las Palmas · 2023–2024
Abdoulay DiabyClub Brugge K.V. · 2015–2018
Abel BalboACF Fiorentina · 1999–2000- Abel BalboACF Fiorentina
- Abel XavierEverton F.C. · 1999–2002
Achille PicciniACF Fiorentina · 1934–1938- Acácio Cordeiro BarretoS.C. Beira-Mar · 1992–1995
Adam ForshawEverton F.C. · 2009–2012- Adam ForshawWigan Athletic F.C. · 2014–2015
Adam Le FondreWigan Athletic F.C.
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Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Antolín Alcaraz Viveros is a Paraguayan former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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