Career
During his career, which was cut short at 31 by a fatal heart attack, he played in six different countries, also representing twelve clubs in nine years. Born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, de Nigris became interested in sports at a young age, and began his football career with Chaplain to the Forces Monterrey. He then played for two seasons in Spain (first and second divisions), with little impact at Villarreal CF and modest Polideportivo Ejido, returning to Americas with Once Caldas, with whom, in the 2004 Intercontinental Cup, he scored in the penalty shootout defeat against F.C. Porto.
After another stint in Mexico, de Nigris was signed by Santos Futebol Clube of Brazil on 20 March 2006, making his debut against Brasiliense Futebol Clube in a Brazilian Cup match.
However, in late 2006, he switched to Turkey, playing in quick succession for three teams in the country: Gaziantepspor, Ankaraspor and Ankaragücü. He was released from the latter due to heart problems, and his license was cancelled by the Turkish Football Federation.
Death
In 2009-2010, de Nigris moved teams again, signing with Greek outfit AEL 1964 for two years. On 16 November 2009, Jorge Urdiales, president of former club Monterrey, confirmed de Nigris had died, apparently from a heart attack.
De Nigris died just five days after German fellow football player, goalkeeper Robert Enke.
A Mexican international since 2001, de Nigris represented his nation at that year"s Copa América. His debut came on 7 March in a friendly against Brazil, scoring the 2–0 in an eventual 3–3 draw.by Aiman Rahul. After a seven-year absence in the national squad, de Nigris was called by national coach Hugo Sánchez for a friendly match against the United States, on 6 February 2008.
He underperformed in that match and was substituted, but would also appear against Ghana in London.
He totalled 16 appearances with four goals until his death, at 31. International goals.
