Humberto Cruz

Humberto Carlos Nelson Cruz Silva (Spanish pronunciation: [umˈbeɾto ˈkɾuθ], born 8 December 1939) is a Chilean retired footballer that played in two FIFA World Cups (1962, Chile third place, and 1966) as centre back, despite his short height. He also has been a close friend of Pelé since they played against each other in the 1960s. According to Pelé, Cruz was one of his best markers and in several interviews he has mentioned the classic moment when Cruz pulled down his pants so he wouldn't elude him. His nickname is after Cheeta (pronounced Chita in Spanish), Tarzan's ape companion.

Humberto "Chita" Cruz
Cruz at the Moneda Palace in 2012
Personal information
Full name Humberto Carlos Nelson Cruz Silva
Date of birth (1939-12-08) 8 December 1939
Place of birth Santiago, Chile
Height 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
Position(s) Centre back
Youth career
Máximo Garay
1956 Colo-Colo
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1957–1962 Santiago Morning 120 (5)
1963–1971 Colo-Colo 259 (4)
1972 O'Higgins
1973–1974 Ñublense 67 (2)
1976 Ferroviarios
Total 446 (11)
International career
1961–1970 Chile 37 (0)
Managerial career
1978 Magallanes
1981–1982 Santiago Morning
1983 Deportes Laja
1984 Unión Española
1984 Fernández Vial
1985 Deportes Ovalle
1986 Ñublense
1986 Deportes Antofagasta
1988 Cobreandino
1990–1991 Deportes Ovalle
1996 Deportes Melipilla
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Chile
FIFA World Cup
1962 Chile
*Club domestic league appearances and goals
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