Paraguayan Men You Need to Know

Stephanie Nolasco

8 years ago

Paraguay may be small in size, but this South American nation has made a major impact over the years in everything from sports to classical music. Smacked down in the center of Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. At first glance, it may be difficult to see that there’s more to this hot spot than steaming mugs of matés and futból. Rest assured, there are plenty of gentlemen from Paraguay that have been making their mark across the globe for their numerous talents. In honor of their Independence Day here are Paraguayan men you need to know.

José Luis Chilavert

Jose Luis Chilavert is famous for his no-nonsense temperament in the field, but it was his passion for the sport that led to his biggest accomplishment: the prestigious “World’s Best Goalkeeper of the Year” award from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. Chilavert, who began his career in the early ‘80s, would go on to win this title a whopping three times throughout his career (1995, 1997, and 1998). “He was part of the Paraguay side that competed at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, playing a big part in his country’s progress to the second round in both,” says Bleacher Report of the 48-year-old. But not everyone was a fan of the controversial sportsman. In 2001, he reportedly spat at Brazilian player Robert Carlos after a World Cup match between the two countries, followed by a comment that Brazil should return land it took from Paraguay in the 19th century.

Pablo Alborno

The Dutch may have van Gogh, but in South America, it’s all about Paraguayan artist Pablo Alborno, whose work is displayed throughout the continent. Born in 1877, Alborno rose to fame in the art world for his lush, green landscapes created with oil. In 1903, he won a government scholarship while attending Instituto Paraguayo and continued his studies in Rome. Alborno, recognized by his native Paraguay for his artistic talents, was ultimately appointed Director of the National Academy of Fine Arts in 1909, as well as becoming a professor of drawing and painting at el Colegio de San Jose. One of his pieces, “La partida a las cartas,” won the 1910 silver medal in the Centennial Exposition, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Alborno, who would dedicate his life to art, passed away in 1958 in his native land.

Luis Szarán

Paraguay is a leader in delivering some of the finest classical orchestrations the world has to offer. And you can thank its most prominent leader, Luis Szarán, for that accomplishment. The 60-year-old composer and conductor is the maestro of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Asunción, Paraguay. The child of poor farmers, Szarán was discovered by a prominent Paraguayan musician who gave him the opportunity to study music in Europe. He dedicated his career to composing music as well as studying it. His compositions and research on Native American sounds have made the rounds through the hands of musicians and its academics across the globe. In 2002, Szarán founded Sonidos de la Tierra, a program that encourages music education and performance. Szarán aims to educate the masses on Paraguay’s major role in music. “I believe that Paraguayans are intimately related to music,” he once told PBS. “In many parts of the world, music is tied to religious practices and other components in life. But here in Paraguay, I feel that music is linked to everything.”

Carlos Franco

Can you think of any professional golfer who plays without warming up? It’s reported that Carlos Franco does just that and still manages to win. Growing up in a family of nine, Franco lived in a “one-room, dirt-floor home” while his father worked as a greens superintendent and caddie in their native Asunción. Despite having clubs carved of woods and not being allowed to play at the clubs, he defied odds becoming a scratch golfer at 17. The now 48-year-old turned pro at 21 and won the PGA Rookie of the year in 1999. Not only was Franco appointed Minister of Sports by the Paraguayan government; he even has his own golf club in Asunción for aspiring and longtime players.