Meet Hector Chavez. Look familiar?
CREDIT: Credit: Univision
Sorta? How about now?
CREDIT: Credit: TV Azteca
If you watch fútbol, especially the Mexican national team, you’re definitely familiar with Chavez.
That’s right, Chavez — better known as “El Caramelo” — is a Mexican soccer super fan who has attended hundreds of Mexico matches.
CREDIT: Credit: Televisa Deportes
Chavez, whose obsession began at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, has traveled to more than 100 cities and 30 countries to support the Mexican national team.
You can easily spot him by his signature gear. A black charro hat featuring his nickname…
¡RT si coincides! #USAvMEX #UDCopaCON pic.twitter.com/MnwP3XVYtR
— Josue Ricardo Romero (@JosueMazito) October 11, 2015
And a Mexican flag emblazoned with the name of his hometown: Chihuahua.
CREDIT: Credit: Univision
Chavez said he’s got a simple reason for going to so many matches: he’s proud of his people.
CREDIT: Credit: Univision
“I believe in my country. I believe in Mexicans,” he once told Univision.
He’s become such a ubiquitous figure that Mexico’s national team has actually given him tickets to attend matches.
CREDIT: Credit: Univision
Chavez told Univision that on some occasions, the Mexican national team will hook him up with seats when its players have left over tickets.
When he doesn’t have a ticket for an important match, Chavez has a go-to routine to score tickets on gameday.
#Aficionados en el estadio de la universidad de #Phoenix.#México vs #Uruguay, #CopaAmerica#AlianzaInformativa pic.twitter.com/Vvpmclwfnr
— generaccion21 (@generaccion21_P) June 6, 2016
Chavez says he waits outside the stadium about 10 minutes before the national anthems play, because scalpers want to get rid of their tickets and are willing to drop their prices.
All of this begs the question: What does El Caramelo do for a living?
#CopaAmerica: 80,000 fans expected to descend on Rose Bowl for Mexico-Jamaica match https://t.co/713rYBHOsh pic.twitter.com/FsL6MdAYGT
— KTLA (@KTLA) June 9, 2016
According to Mexican journalist Luis Froylan Castañe, Chavez owns several businesses — one of them involves jewelry and another involves parking lot rentals.
And according to Chavez, his wife is totally cool with his hobby.
Chihuahua flag guy (aka Caramelo) ready for tomorrow's match in San Pedro Sula.
Mexico's number 1 fan pic.twitter.com/ZpsUYC9mfx— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) November 16, 2015
So next time you’re watching a Mexico game on TV, look closely and you may find El Caramelo in the crowd, cheering on El Tri.
CREDIT: Credit: Univision
READ: Here’s Why Rob Schneider Loves Mexican Soccer So Much
