Juan Carlos Plata, Guatemalan footballer

Juan Carlos Plata, affectionately known by his iconic nicknames "El Pin" or "El Príncipe" (The Prince), born on January 1, 1971, is an indelible legend in the annals of Guatemalan football. Primarily celebrated for his illustrious and record-breaking career as a formidable football striker, he has since transitioned into a respected soccer coach. Plata's profound impact on the sport within Guatemala is widely regarded as unparalleled, defined by an extraordinary tenure brimming with unparalleled scoring achievements and a remarkable, unwavering loyalty to a single club throughout his professional playing days.

A Prolific Scorer on National and Global Stages

Plata holds the distinguished and long-standing title of the highest-scoring player in the history of Guatemala's top domestic competition, the Liga Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala, with an astounding career tally exceeding 300 goals. This remarkable feat unequivocally solidifies his status as a true goal-scoring icon within his home country. Furthermore, his exceptional scoring prowess garnered significant international recognition. As of January 2010, during a period when his active playing career was still in full swing, Plata was officially recognized by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS). This reputable organization, dedicated to compiling and preserving football records, acknowledged him as one of the most prolific goalscorers in top division leagues worldwide. Notably, he ranked second only to the Welsh striker Marc Lloyd-Williams among active players globally at that time and was astonishingly listed among the top 60 all-time goalscorers in the history of world football. This prestigious global acknowledgment from the IFFHS underscores the truly international scope and magnitude of his achievements.

Beyond his prolific club records, Plata also stands as the second-highest goalscorer in the history of the Guatemala national team, a powerful testament to his consistent high-level performance and unwavering dedication on the international stage. In this esteemed ranking, he is surpassed only by the equally iconic and celebrated Guatemalan football legend, Carlos "El Pescadito" Ruiz.

The Unwavering Loyalty to CSD Municipal: A One-Club Icon

In an era increasingly defined by frequent player transfers and short-term affiliations, Juan Carlos Plata exemplifies a rare and profound commitment, having dedicated his entire professional club career to a single institution: Club Social y Deportivo Municipal. Affectionately known as "Los Rojos" (The Reds) and recognized as one of Guatemala's most prestigious and historically successful football clubs, Municipal became the exclusive stage for Plata's legendary career. He is not merely the all-time top goalscorer for CSD Municipal, a club with a rich and storied history, but has also systematically shattered virtually every significant scoring record associated with professional football in Guatemala, thereby solidifying his irreplaceable legacy within both the club and the broader landscape of Guatemalan football.

A Champion's Pedigree: An Extensive Trophy Cabinet

Juan Carlos Plata's illustrious playing career with CSD Municipal was synonymous with unparalleled success, as he played a pivotal role in one of the most dominant periods in Guatemalan football history. His extensive and impressive trophy cabinet is a clear testament to his immense impact and consistent contributions to his beloved club:

• 15 Domestic League Titles: A record-setting number of championships in the Liga Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala, demonstrating Municipal's sustained dominance through multiple Apertura and Clausura tournaments across various seasons.
• 5 Domestic Cup Titles: Victories in the Copa de Guatemala, further showcasing the club's comprehensive domestic supremacy during his tenure and their ability to succeed in knockout competitions.
• 2 International Club Titles: Conquering the highly competitive Copa Interclubes UNCAF in both 2001 and 2004. This crucial regional tournament served as a direct qualifying pathway for the prestigious CONCACAF Champions' Cup/League, firmly establishing CSD Municipal's regional prowess with Plata leading the attack.

Frequently Asked Questions about Juan Carlos Plata

When was Juan Carlos Plata born?

Juan Carlos Plata was born on January 1, 1971.

What is Juan Carlos Plata's nickname?

He is widely known by his affectionate nicknames "El Pin" or "El Príncipe" (The Prince).

Which club did Juan Carlos Plata play for his entire career?

He notably played his entire professional club career for CSD Municipal, one of Guatemala's most successful and historically significant football clubs.

What scoring records does Juan Carlos Plata hold in Guatemala?

Juan Carlos Plata is the highest-scoring player in the history of Guatemala's top division, the Liga Nacional. He is also the all-time top goalscorer for CSD Municipal and ranks as the second-highest goalscorer for the Guatemala national team.

How many major titles did Juan Carlos Plata win with CSD Municipal?

He won an extraordinary 15 domestic league titles, 5 domestic cup titles, and 2 international club titles (Copa Interclubes UNCAF) during his highly successful and decorated career with Municipal.