Antonio de Nigris

Mexican footballer (1978 2009)

Antonio de Nigris Guajardo (anˈtonjo ðe ˈniɣɾis; 1 April 1978 – 15 November 2009) was a Mexican professional footballer who played as a striker. During his career, which was cut short at 31 by a fatal heart attack, he played in six countries, also representing twelve clubs in nine years.

Born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, de Nigris became interested in sports at a young age, and began his football career with C. F. Monterrey. In February 2003, he was loaned to Villarreal CF in Spain's La Liga, joining a team in 13th place but averaging under a goal a game. He made his debut on 2 March, coming on as a 70th minute substitute for Javier Farinós and scoring the last minute winner for a 2–1 victory at home to Rayo Vallecano. De Nigris, who could play freely in the European Union due to his Italian passport, moved on a permanent deal to Polideportivo Ejido in the Segunda División in July 2003. As with his time at Villarreal, he scored only twice in his one season in the province of Almería. De Nigris returned to the Americas with Once Caldas of Colombia, with whom, in the 2004 Intercontinental Cup, he scored in the penalty shootout defeat against F. C. Porto. After playing for Club Puebla, Club Universidad Nacional and Monterrey again back home, he was signed by Santos FC of Brazil on 20 March 2006, making his debut against Brasiliense Futebol Clube in a Copa do Brasil match. Later in 2006, de Nigris switched to Turkey, playing in quick succession for three teams in the country: Gaziantepspor, Ankaraspor and Ankaragücü. He was released from the latter due to heart problems, and his license was cancelled by the Turkish Football Federation. In 2009–10, he moved teams again, signing with Greek outfit AEL 1964 for two years.

A Mexican international since 2001, de Nigris represented his nation at that year's Copa América. His debut came on 7 March in a friendly against Brazil in Guadalajara, scoring the 2–0 goal in an eventual 3–3 draw. Eighteen days later he scored twice in a 4–0 home win over Jamaica in 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification. After a seven year absence in the national squad, de Nigris was called by national coach Hugo Sánchez for a friendly match against the United States, on 6 February 2008. He underperformed in that match and was substituted, but would also appear against Ghana in London; he totalled 17 appearances with four goals until his death, at 31.

De Nigris' younger brother Aldo was also a professional footballer who played as striker with Monterrey and the national team as well, while older sibling "Poncho" is a TV celebrity and influencer. He was of Italian descent and was given the nickname Tano by his Italian grandfather. On 16 November 2009, Jorge Urdiales, president of former club Monterrey, confirmed de Nigris had died, apparently from a heart attack.