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Player History: The Keeper-Striker Jorge Campos

By Mahonri Mendoza

14 Jan 1996: Jorge Campos of Mexico stands on the field during a Gold Cup game against Guatemala in San Diego, California. Mexico won the game 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
14 Jan 1996: Jorge Campos of Mexico stands on the field during a Gold Cup game against Guatemala in San Diego, California. Mexico won the game 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /
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You always think of irreplaceable goalkeepers like Oliver Kahn, Iker Casillas, René Higuita, Edwin Van Der Sar, and many others. They all have one thing in common: Being a goalkeeper, then there’s Jorge Campos.

Jorge Campos, other than his acrobatic, risky, flamboyant goalkeeping style, also was commonly known as the “keeper with the retro jersey designs.” Jorge Campos started his career playing for Pumas UNAM back in 1988, where he began performing as a striker rather than his usual goalkeeping position.

Campos also was very good at organizing his defense to avoid getting scored. He would often serve as a sweeper and have his defensive line up move a few meters up to gain ground. This tactic would accommodate his goalkeeping abilities with his short stature.

Jorge Campos was both useful under the goal and as well as a striker when he got the chance to perform upfront. With a total of 35 goals in his career, he is one of the few goalkeepers to haver ever netted goals on the oppositions. Jorge Campos played for Pumas for about 61.71% of his club career in Mexico City. Campos is a goalkeeper to remember, and he was indeed the one with the “retro jersey.”

19 Jan 1994: Jorge Campos of Mexico throws the ball during a game against Bulgaria at San Diego Stadium in San Diego, California. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
19 Jan 1994: Jorge Campos of Mexico throws the ball during a game against Bulgaria at San Diego Stadium in San Diego, California. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /

With 274 appearances for the Auriazulez, not only did he establish himself as a regular starter, but into a club legend. With Pumas, Campos was able to lift both the Liga MX trophy in the 1990-91 season and the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 1989.

His incredible performances in his club made him land an opportunity nationally where he also went and showcased for the Mexican National Team, where he achieved some silverware. He won the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, and two Gold Cups in 1993 and 1996.

With more than half of his career spent in Pumas, Campos made appearances with Atlante, LA Galaxy, Cruz Azul, Chicago Fire, Tigres, until he retired in Puebla in 2004. His time in LA Galaxy was vital as he became one of the best foreign signings at the beginning of the Major League Soccer.

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Jorge Campos is a recognizable legend, essential in the history of any club he set foot on. His abilities were remarkable, that made him who he is. Campos will forever be remembered as one of the best goalkeepers in his time for generations to come.

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