Humberto Carlos Nelson Cruz Silva (, born 8 December 1939) is a Chilean retired footballer that played in two FIFA World Cups (1962, Chile third place, and 1966) as centre-back, despite his short height. He also has been a close friend of Pelé since they played against each other in the 1960s. According to Pelé, Cruz was one of his best markers and in several interviews he has mentioned the classic moment when Cruz pulled down his pants so he wouldn't elude him. His nickname is after Cheeta (pronounced Chita in Spanish), Tarzan's ape companion.
Personal life Cruz is well known by his nickname Chita (Cheetah) which it was given when he was a youth player of club Máximo Garay from Estación Central due to his speed to mark as a defender.
His son, , was with the Universidad Católica youth ranks and represented Chile at under-20 level in the 1985 South American Championship. Another son, , played for Deportes Antofagasta and Audax Italiano.
Honours Santiago Morning Segunda División: 1959
Colo-Colo Primera División: 1963, 1970
Chile FIFA World Cup: Third place 1962 Copa América: Third place 1967 Copa O'Higgins: 1966 Copa del Pacífico: 1968
References
External links FIFA Profile Humberto Cruz at PartidosdeLaRoja