A HISTÓRIA DO CRAQUE "RUBÉN PAZ", ÍDOLO DO INTERNACIONAL, PEÑAROL E DO RACING CLUB DA ARGENTINA.

THE STORY OF THE STAR "RUBÉN PAZ", AN IDOL OF INTERNACIONAL, PEÑAROL AND THE RACING CLUB OF ARGENTINA. The story of Rubén Walter Paz Márquez, born in the border town of Artigas, Uruguay, on August 8, 1959, is proof that passion for football knows no bounds. He was just one step away from becoming Brazilian by a mere 750 meters, but destiny reserved him to shine brightly on Uruguayan, Brazilian and Argentinean fields, leaving an unforgettable legacy. His journey began early, at the age of five, on the pitches of Artigas, and at seven he was already wearing the shirt of the local Peñarol. What few knew is that the young defender would be shaped by coach Odilio Duarte to become the magical number 10 that the world would come to applaud. The Rise of a Star at Peñarol: Glory and Recognition After a decade of dedication at Peñarol de Artigas, with a title for the municipal team and the first call-up to the Uruguayan under-20 team – where he would win the 1977 South American Championship and make history in the first World Cup in the category –, Paz landed at the "original" Peñarol de Montevideo. At 17, he was already integrated into the adult team, in a year that, although not one of the most glorious for the "Manyas", was a hotbed of talent, driven by the visionary vision of Brazilian coach Dino Sani. In 1978, Paz was already dominating the midfield. His vibrant presence helped Peñarol win the Uruguayan Championship undefeated, in addition to other minor competitions. When top scorer Fernando Morena left for Europe in 1979, it was Rubén Paz who stepped up to the plate, filling the gap with mastery. He became the team's top scorer with twenty goals, securing yet another Uruguayan title. That same year marked his debut for the senior national team, where, with a thrilling goal against Paraguay, he already demonstrated his decisive power. Between 1979 and 1981, Rubén Paz's brilliance was undeniable. He was voted Uruguay's best player three times, a remarkable feat. His skill made him one of the few to play in two U-20 World Cups, and the feat of being South American champion twice over Maradona's Argentina only highlighted his talent. The peak of his career for the senior national team came at the turn of 1980 to 1981, when he was a key player in Uruguay's conquest of the Mundialito held in Montevideo, a moment of glory that would echo for decades. The glory of the World Cup did not go unnoticed. Italian full-back Antonio Cabrini even publicly begged Juventus to sign him. However, Peñarol opted to negotiate their star player with Internacional for a third of the amount expected by the Italians. In 1982, Rubén Paz arrived in Rio Grande do Sul, just a few steps from his home country, and this proximity made it easier for him to adapt. His arrival at Internacional was a true turning point. Rubén Paz's skill impressed everyone, his class was unique, and his finishing ability was lethal. He was a natural attacking midfielder, who stepped into the area with the ease of someone born to score goals. After his debut in 1982, he never left the starting lineup, taking command of the Colorado midfield with a mastery that was rarely seen. Rubén Paz starred in great games wearing the Colorado jersey, establishing himself as one of the greatest stars of Brazilian football. At 23, he displayed an extraordinary ability, a talent that transcended his age. He not only helped Inter win, but also won titles in his first season. In 1982, he lifted the Rio Grande do Sul Championship trophy, being an absolutely decisive player for the club. Although Inter competed with the best teams in the National Championship, the title did not come, but the Colorado hegemony in Rio Grande do Sul was consolidated.