An unpredictable, creative midfielder, Adolfo Bautista has had a topsy-turvy career to date. He is probably the most naturally gifted footballer that Mexico has produced in recent years but has been let down at times by his temperament.
First capped in 2002, Bautista ended up missing out on Mexico’s final squads for both that year's FIFA World Cup™ and the subsequent edition in Germany. The latter disappointment came when he was enjoying one of the best periods of his career, inspiring Chivas de Guadalajara to the last four of the Copa Libertadores.
"Bofo" began his career with Tecos UAG, arriving at boyhood favourites Chivas in 2004 via spells at Morelia and Pachuca. He fast earned hero status with the supporters there, entertaining them not just with his goals and assists but also his eccentric hairstyles and habit of giving away a boot every time he hit the back of the net. With his help, Chivas ended a trophy drought of more than a decade when winning the Apertura in 2006.
After a controversial transfer to Jaguares de Chiapas in 2007/08, he ended up returning to Chivas for this year's Bicentennial championship following a spectacular fall-out with his employers – Bautista put on weight and was forced to train for a spell with Jaguares' Under-20 team. Yet on returning to Guadalajara, the prodigal son refound his form, making a big impact to earn himself a late call-up to Javier Aguirre's squad for South Africa.
