José Rodrigo Cevallos

LDU Quito Cevallos joined the Quito club at the start of the 2008 season to help the club defend their 2007 title and to become an instrumental part of the clubs Copa Libertadores campaign. Again, as he did with Barcelona in 1998, Cevallos saw his role elevated to prominence. In the quarterfinals, LDU Quito eliminated Argentine club San Lorenzo by penalties, with Cevallos stopping a key shoot by Aureliano Torres. In the semifinals, he kept a clean sheet again Mexican club América in Quito, helping LDU Quito advance to their first final. After a 4−2 win in Quito during the first leg, Cevallos let the club's superior goal difference against Brazilian club Fluminense slip in the second leg, resulting in a decisive penalty shoot-out. Cevallos came out a hero in the end, blocking penalties by Darío Conca, Thiago Neves and Washington to give LDU Quito their first Copa Libertadores, which was also the first for the country. As a result of his performance in the tournament, he was elected as the best goalkeeper in South America and to the best eleven team for the tournament. IFFHS even ranked his as one of the top-ten goalkeepers around the world, at number 6. Initially slated to be with the club for a year, he extended his plans with the squad until 2010.

On May 16, 2011, he announced his retirement from professional football to make way for younger players.

International career During his first era with the Ecuador national team he was a participant at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and in Copa América 1995, 1997 with his brother, 1999, and 2001. He played 77 official games before announcing his retirement in 2004.

In 2008, he returned for the national team in an unofficial friendly match against LDU Quito to which he belonged. This was the first time that he played for Ecuador in four years. He played the first half of the 5–0 win until he was replaced by Espoli's Maximo Banguera.

Later he was called again to play 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification against Argentina and Colombia.

He was nicknamed by the Ecuadorian fans as "las manos del Ecuador" meaning "the hands of Ecuador" referring to his wonderful performances in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Political career

On May 23, 2011, Cevallos was picked to succeed Sandra Vela as the Minister of Sports in Ecuador. He assumed office the following day. He was succeeded by Catalina Ontaneda in 2015.

Personal life Cevallos' older brother Alex used to play professionally as a goalkeeper as well. His son José Francisco, Jr. is also a footballer who plays for Juventus on loan from his father's old club.

He is also known for having a foundation that helps young kids, especially in football.

Career statistics

Honors Barcelona S.C. Ecuadorian Serie A: 1991, 1995, 1997

LDU Quito Ecuadorian Serie A: 2010 Copa Libertadores: 2008 Recopa Sudamericana: 2009, 2010 Copa Sudamericana: 2009

Ecuador Korea Cup: 1995 Canada Cup: 1999