Francisco Javier Rodríguez, commonly known as "Maza," is a former professional footballer from Mexico who played as a centre-back.
Rodríguez began his professional career with C.D. Guadalajara, debuting in the Apertura 2002 tournament.
He played a pivotal role in Guadalajara's championship run in the Apertura 2006, helping the team secure their eleventh league title.
Biography
Early Life
Francisco Javier Rodríguez Pinedo, affectionately known as "Maza," was born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico. His nickname is derived from his hometown, which played a significant role in shaping his identity as a footballer. He began his professional journey in football with C.D. Guadalajara, making his debut in the Apertura 2002 tournament under the guidance of Dutch manager Hans Westerhof.
Career
Rodríguez's career took off at Guadalajara, where he was instrumental in the team's championship victory in the Apertura 2006, securing their eleventh league title. His impressive performances earned him a transfer to PSV Eindhoven in 2008 for $1.8 million, where he gradually established himself as a key player, scoring his first goal for the club in a match against Heracles Almelo.
In 2011, he signed with VfB Stuttgart, making his Bundesliga debut shortly after. Over the years, Rodríguez played for several clubs, including Club América, Cruz Azul, and Lobos de la BUAP, showcasing his skills as a reliable centre-back. He also represented the Mexico national team, participating in multiple international tournaments, including the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, and was part of the squad that won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2015.
Legacy
Rodríguez's contributions to football have been recognized through various honors, including a league title with Guadalajara and a Johan Cruyff Shield with PSV. His legacy is marked not only by his club achievements but also by his role in the national team, where he was celebrated for his defensive prowess and leadership on the field. His journey from Mazatlán to international football exemplifies his dedication and passion for the sport.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Youth
Rodríguez was part of the Mexico 2004 Olympic under-23 team. They were eliminated in the group stage, having finished third in Group A, below group winners Mali and South Korea.
Senior
Rodríguez made his debut with the senior national team on 18 February 2004 in a friendly against Chile in Carson, California. He scored his first goal for Mexico on 8 July 2005 in a 1–2 CONCACAF Gold Cup loss against South Africa. On 2 April 2006, he was called up by coach Ricardo La Volpe for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Rodríguez played in the match against Portugal. Rodríguez was a part of the Mexico squad in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He was a starter in all of Mexico's group matches, and played the Round of 16 match against Argentina. During the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Rodríguez, and four other members of the Mexico national team, tested positive for the banned substance of Clenbuterol and were withdrawn from the tournament squad. However, all players were exonerated as FIFA determined that the accused had ingested the banned substance via contaminated meat that had been served during a pre-tournament training camp. However, World Anti-Doping Agency appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to request a ban. But on 12 October 2011, WADA withdrew this request after the full file was made available to them.
Rodríguez also participated at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he became a key part of Mexico's central defense line, along with Rafael Márquez and…
Guadalajara
Rodríguez was born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, which is the origin of his nickname "Maza" (short for Mazatlán). He began his professional career with Guadalajara under Dutch manager Hans Westerhof, debuting for the club in the Apertura 2002 tournament. In the Apertura 2006, Rodríguez had a pivotal role in Guadalajara's championship run, winning the final second-leg match 2–1 (3–2 on aggregate) against Toluca on 10 December. The win gave Chivas their eleventh league championship, a record which stood until América matched it in 2013.
PSV Eindhoven
On 9 May 2008, it was announced that he was transferred for US$1.8 million to Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, the second Mexican in the latter squad with Carlos Salcido. Rodríguez was predominantly during that debut season mostly on the bench, and proved an alternate centre backs for Dirk Marcellis. He scored his first goal with the Dutch giants on 25 November 2008 with a 30-yard shot against Heracles Almelo. Prior to the start of the 2009–10 season, Rodríguez was given the number four jersey, previously worn by Manuel da Costa, who had transferred to Fiorentina in January 2008. He won a starting spot in the center of defence for both the Eredevisie and the Europa League.
VfB Stuttgart
On 14 July 2011, Rodríguez signed a three-year contract with VfB Stuttgart for an undisclosed fee. Rodríguez made his Bundesliga debut on 6 August 2011 in a 3–0 win against Schalke 04. He registered an assist in the 37th…
- Club
- Club América (2013–2014)
- Club
- C.D. Guadalajara (2002–2008)
- Club
- PSV Eindhoven (2008–2011)
- Club
- VfB Stuttgart (2011–2012)
- Club
- Cruz Azul (2014–2018)
- Club
- Mexico national under-23 football team (2004–2004)
- Club
- Mexico men's national football team (2004–2015)
- Club
- Lobos de la BUAP (2017–2018)
- Club
- Lobos de la BUAP (2018–2019)
- League
- Bundesliga
- National team
- Mexico
Legacy
Guadalajara
Primera División: Apertura 2006 PSV
Johan Cruyff Shield: 2008 América
Liga MX: Clausura 2013 Mexico U23
CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship: 2004 Mexico
CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2015 Individual
CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship Best XI: 2004
Clubs
- C.D. Guadalajara2002–2008
- Mexico men's national football team2004–2015
- Mexico national under-23 football team2004–2004
- PSV Eindhoven2008–2011
- VfB Stuttgart2011–2012
- Club América2013–2014
- Cruz Azul2014–2018
- Lobos de la BUAP2017–2018
- Lobos de la BUAP2018–2019
Played together with
- Aarón GalindoC.D. Guadalajara · 2009–2010
- Aarón GalindoCruz Azul · 2002–2006
- Abdelaziz AhanfoufVfB Stuttgart
Abdenasser El KhayatiPSV Eindhoven- Abel TamataPSV Eindhoven · 2010–2010
- Abel TamataPSV Eindhoven · 2010–2015
- Abel TamataPSV Eindhoven · 2013–2015
- Abel XavierPSV Eindhoven · 1998–1999
Achille EmanáCruz Azul · 2013–2014
Adam HloušekVfB Stuttgart · 2014–2016
Adam HloušekVfB Stuttgart · 2014–2016
Adam MaherPSV Eindhoven · 2013–2018
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Francisco Javier Rodríguez Pinedo, commonly known by the nickname Maza is a Mexican former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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