Who Is José Luis Chilavert? Age, Biography and Wiki
José Luis Chilavert was born on July 27, 1965, making him 59 years old as of 2025. Renowned for being one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, Chilavert gained fame not only for his exceptional shot-stopping ability but also for his goal-scoring prowess. A trailblazer, Chilavert was one of the first goalkeepers to take free-kicks seriously, scoring a significant number of goals throughout his career. He is perhaps most known for his time at Vélez Sarsfield, the Paraguayan national team, and several clubs in Europe.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 27, 1965 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Luque, Paraguay |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Paraguay |
Popularity
José Luis Chilavert's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Chilavert stands tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and has maintained a professional athlete's physique. Although his weight has fluctuated slightly over the years, he is generally recognized to weigh around 220 lbs (100 kg). His body measurements reflect his strong athletic build, typical of a goalkeeper in top form.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, José Luis Chilavert is reportedly single. Previously married, the football star has three children, showcasing his commitment to family life despite the challenges of his professional career. Details about his dating life remain private, but he has always prioritized his children amid the complexities of fame.
Chilavert grew up in Luque, Gran Asunción, in a poor family, and walked barefoot until the age of seven. His parents were Catalino Chilavert, a state bureaucrat, and Nicolasa González. At the age of five, he had three siblings and two responsibilities: to milk cows and sell the milk in Ñu Guazú, a rural suburb of Luque. One of his siblings, Rolando Chilavert, is also a football player.
Net Worth and Salary
Chilavert has amassed an impressive net worth estimated at around $10 million by 2025. His earnings come from various sources: a successful football career, endorsements, and business ventures. Throughout his playing years and in retirement, he has maintained lucrative contracts, which have significantly contributed to his wealth.
In 2005, Chilavert received a suspended six-month prison sentence in France for the use of false documents related to the compensation for the end of his contract with Strasbourg.
Career, Business and Investments
After retiring from professional football, Chilavert embarked on various business endeavors. He has been involved in sports commentary, helping to analyze matches and provide expert insights. In addition, Chilavert has invested in real estate and works on philanthropic projects focused on youth and sports development in Paraguay.
He later moved to Spain, where he played for Real Zaragoza. In 1988, whilst Chilavert played for Real Zaragoza, he stated that "the fans used to freak out" when he would come out with the ball at his feet and "scream at me to get back in goal. I've never stopped to think about what others are saying. I just rely on my abilities.
Later on, I started to practice penalties and free kicks until they gave me the job for real". Chilavert admitted to staying behind after training to practice 80 to 120 free kicks, which in his opinion was how he got better.
Social Network
Chilavert remains active on social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, where he engages with fans and shares insights into his life post-football. His strong presence online has made him a well-respected figure in sports, where he continues to inspire young athletes.
Chilavert won 12 club titles, including the 1994 Copa Libertadores and the 1994 Intercontinental Cup, while playing for Vélez Sarsfield, and is a three-time IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award winner.
A fast and agile shot-stopper, known for his leadership, strong personality, and goalkeeping ability, he was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world in his prime; outside of his goalkeeping position, Chilavert was also known for his outfield skills and ability as a free kick specialist, and often took penalties.
He scored 67 goals in his professional career, many of them crucial, including eight in international matches. Four of his international goals were scored during Paraguay's qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Chilavert is the second-highest goalscoring goalkeeper of all time, surpassed only by Brazilian keeper Rogerio Ceni, and is one of only three goalkeepers to score a hat-trick.
Chilavert was also known for his eccentricity and his fiery temper, which brought him his fair share of controversies; most notorious among them was his being sent off in 1997 for brawling with Colombian striker Faustino Asprilla. He was nicknamed "El Buldog" ("The Bulldog") and often wore a cartoon bulldog on his goalkeeper jersey.
Education
José Luis Chilavert's educational background is somewhat limited due to the demands of his professional football career. However, he has often spoken about the importance of education for young athletes and has supported initiatives to promote sports alongside education in Paraguay. He champions skill development and mental health awareness in sports.
Chilavert is married to Marcela, an English language teacher he met in Buenos Aires while playing for San Lorenzo de Almagro. In 1998, they had a daughter named Anahí.
