Manuel Vidrio joins East FC

by East FC

Manuel Vidrio is a former professional footballer and coach from Mexico, known for his role as a defender with both the Mexican National Team and various club teams. He was a key figure in the Pachuca (Liga MX) defense, winning three Mexican league championships in 1999, 2001, and 2003. Vidrio also represented Mexico at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, earning international recognition for his contributions to the national team. Throughout his career, he was celebrated for his defensive abilities and leadership on the field. After retiring from playing, Vidrio transitioned into coaching, further shaping the future of futbol.

Professional Playing Career:

  • 1991-1996 | Guadalajara (Chivas): Vidrio began his career in one of Mexico's most storied clubs, Chivas, where he spent several years as a key defensive player.
  • 1996-1997 | Toluca: Vidrio made a brief stop at Toluca before moving to Tecos.
  • 1997-1998 | Tecos: His time at Tecos was part of his career progression in the Mexican league.
  • 1999-2002 | Pachuca: Vidrio enjoyed his most successful period at Pachuca, winning three Mexican league titles in 1999, 2001, and 2003. His performances during this period earned him a reputation as one of the top defenders in Mexico.
  • 2002-2003 | Osasuna (Spain): He made a move to Europe with Spanish club Osasuna, although he spent a relatively short time there before returning to Pachuca.
  • 2003-2005 | Pachuca: Vidrio returned to Pachuca and helped the team continue its domestic success.
  • 2005 | Veracruz: In the final years of his playing career, Vidrio moved to Veracruz before retiring from professional football.

International Playing Career:

Vidrio also made significant contributions to the Mexican national team:

  • 1992-2002 | Mexico National Team: Vidrio was a fixture in the national team for a decade, representing Mexico in numerous international competitions.
  • 1992 Barcelona Olympics: He was part of the team that competed in the 1992 Olympics, marking a key milestone in his international career.
  • 1995 Copa América: Vidrio was involved in the Copa América, a major CONCACAF international tournament.
  • 2001 Copa América: He earned another Copa América appearance in 2001, further establishing himself on the international stage.
  • 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Vidrio participated in the qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup, helping Mexico secure its place in the tournament.
  • 2002 FIFA World Cup: Vidrio was part of the squad that represented Mexico in the 2002 World Cup, where the team reached the Round of 16.
  • Other Tournaments: He also played in various other international competitions, including the Copa Merconorte (2000), the Copa Rey, and the 2002 Champions Cup.

Coaching Career:

After retiring from playing, Vidrio transitioned to coaching:

  • 2007-2008 | Universidad del Futbol: Vidrio started his coaching career at the Universidad del Futbol, where he worked with young players.
  • 2008-2009 | Alto Rendimiento Tuzo: He continued his development as a coach, working with the Alto Rendimiento Tuzo academy.
  • 2009-2010 | Mexico National Team Assistant: Vidrio served as an assistant coach with the Mexican national team, contributing to the team’s preparation for the 2010 World Cup.
  • 2010 | Zaragoza (Assistant): He worked as an assistant coach with Spanish club Zaragoza, gaining experience in European football.
  • 2012 | Galeana Morelos: Vidrio took on his first head coaching role at Galeana Morelos, a club in the lower divisions of Mexican football.
  • 2013 | Tecos: He returned to Tecos as a coach, further honing his managerial skills.

Vidrio's experience as both a player and a coach has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the game, and he has contributed to Mexican football both domestically and internationally over the years.