Gerardo Torrado

Mexican footballer (born 1979)

Gerardo Torrado Díez de Bonilla (born 30 April 1979) is a Mexican former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. Torrado represented Mexico at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups and has won three CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments. Torrado spent the majority of his club career with Cruz Azul, whom he captained to CONCACAF Champions League success in 2014.

Born in Mexico City, Torrado began his career with UNAM in 1997. After débuting in 1997, Torrado was bought three years later by Spanish club CD Tenerife where he played almost the whole season. The following year he was transferred to Poli Ejido. He caught the eye of Spanish club Sevilla where he had success in his first season but an injury left him out for almost a full season. He was then transferred to Racing de Santander. He did not have much chance to play because of his reported differences with the coach. He was eventually forced to return to Mexico.

After a few years playing in Spain, he became a Cruz Azul player in 2005, débuting against Monarcas Morelia where he scored the two goals in the 2–0 win for Cruz Azul. He rapidly emerged as one of the most important players in the squad. An aggressive midfielder, Torrado has gotten many red and yellow cards in his career. He has captained the team since 2006, and has led the team to three league finals and a CONCACAF Champions League final in 2009, and on 26 April 2014 he became CONCACAF champion for the first time in his career with Cruz Azul.

On 8 June 2016, Torrado signed for NASL side Indy Eleven, extending his contract for the 2017 season on 26 January 2017. Torrado retired on 30 October 2017 ending a 20 year career span.

Torrado made an impact when he represented Mexico at the 1999 FIFA U 20 World Cup, which put the spotlight on him as a potential national team player. Ever since his début in a friendly match against Argentina, he has become a mainstay in the national team. Torrado scored his first goal for Mexico in the 1999 Copa América against Peru, scoring with a stunning long range shot in stoppage time which saved the game for Mexico. His goal ensured that the match ended 3–3 and Mexico then went on to win on penalties. Torrado has been in the Mexico squads for the 2002, 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup and was vice captain for the 2010 tournament in South Africa, playing in all four of Mexico's matches as they were eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing 3–1 to Argentina.

Following his retirement as a footballer, on 24 August 2017, Guillermo Cantú announced Torrado as sporting director for the Mexican Football Federation. On 13 July 2022, Torrado was dismissed from his position following a string of disappointing results. In December 2022, Torrado joined the newly established Kings League as the manager for Pio FC. On 1 January 2023, the team suffered a 5–0 loss to El Barrio during the league's inaugural match day.

Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first. Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 10 July 1999 Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay 3–3 4–2 (p. s. o.) 1999 Copa América 2. 9 June 2002 Miyagi Stadium, Rifu, Japan 2–1 2–1 2002 FIFA World Cup 3. 2 June 2007 Estadio Alfonso Lastras, San Luis Potosí, Mexico 4–0 4–0 Friendly 4. 8 July 2007 Estadio Monumental de Maturín, Maturín, Venezuela 2–0 6–0 2007 Copa América 5. 12 July 2009 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, United States 1–0 2–0 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup 6. 26 July 2009 Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, United States 1–0 5–0 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup