José Luis Félix Chilavert González (born July 27, 1965 in Luque, Departamento Central) is a Paraguayan former goalkeeper, three-times winner of IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award (1995-97-98).

Not really an ordinary goalkeeper Chilavert, was very well known for his skills as a free kick and penalties specialist. Finally he scored 62 goals in his professional career, including eight in international matches for his national team, Paraguay.

After making his debut as a football player at the age of 17, with Sportivo Luqueño, he changed three more teams before going to Argentina, where he played for Vélez Sarsfield. In almost 10 years there, Chilavert won four National Championship, the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup, both in 1994.

During that time, in 1999, he became the first goalkeeper to score a hat-trick in the history of football during Vélez vs Ferro Carril Oeste.

His fabolous cycle in Vélez Sarsfield, where he was an essential figure in the team's long chain of triumphs together with his performance in 1998 World Cup in France, secured him international recognition.

Eccentricity and fiery temper represented the trade-mark of an entire career. Retired in 2004, Chilavert was a commentator for American television network Univision during the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Did you know?

- From 1989 to 2003, Chilavert played 74 times for Paraguay, scoring 8 goals.

- 1997/98 was his best scoring season with 10 goals in 35 matches played for Velez Sarsfield.

- After the FIFA 1998 World Cup, Luis Chilavert was named on the tournament All Star Squad for his performances together with French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.

(S. Siviero)