Héctor Chumpitaz

Héctor Chumpitaz is considered the greatest defender in the history of Peruvian football and one of the best South American defenders of all time. Despite his short stature for the position, he compensated with impressive jumping ability, game reading and leadership, earning him the nickname 'Capitán de América'. He spent almost his entire career in Peru, mainly defending Universitario de Deportes and Sporting Cristal, clubs through which he won several national titles. With Universitario, he was part of the historic campaign for runner-up finish in the 1972 Copa Libertadores, the best achievement in history for a Peruvian club in the competition. For the Peruvian national team, he was the great captain of the golden generation that won the 1975 Copa América, the country's second continental title. He played in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, when Peru reached the quarter-finals against Brazil, and the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, reaching the second phase. With 105 matches, he is among the greatest in the history of Peru's national team appearances.