Legends: Carlos Alonso 'Santillana'

CARLOS ALONSO 'SANTILLANA'

Carlos Alonso Santillana

Carlos Santillana, as it was known in the football world, was born on August 23, 1952, in Santillana del Mar (Cantabria). He started playing football competition in his hometown, but soon was signed by Satelite, a team of Barreda, a village near Santillana. There he played in the junior category and within the same club came to play in third division. In the beginning, was not yet clear what position in the field he liked. Usually he played in the midfield, but also in the front and was gradually awakening interest among some scouts in the area.

Finishing the sixties, the career of Santillana suffers a dramatic turnaround. The young player is summoned by the coach Jose Emilio Santamaria to join the Spanish national youth team to play against France. The following year, in season 1970/71, Santillana signed for Racing Santander and gets the top scorer trophy of the second division. An unsurprising fact becuase he had earlier demonstrated his scoring ability achieving the same award in the regional category in Cantabria.

With the heat of August 1971, Real Madrid closed a transfer operation with Racing that is used to pay off a debt of twenty-six million pesetas that the Cantabrian team maintained with Real Madrid. In the procurement list were the names of "Ico" Aguilar, Corral and a player they called Santillana who was not yet nineteen.

In 1972 Carlos Santillana goes through the worst moment of his career. Some traces of blood in the urine after a match against Espanyol, alert the doctors of Real Madrid who submitted him to various clinical examinations. Although the news is zealously guarded, on May 7 of that year jumps to the cover of all the newspapers of the country. Santillana have a congenital anomaly, being placed his two kidneys in the same body part. The impact was truly impressive with rumours that he had to leave the football. In the end, and after consultation with the player himself, doctors suggest that he may continue to exercise his profession.

Exceeded the mishap, ended the season getting to be the club's top scorer in both league and European Cup, though with the distaste for not having achieved any title. A year to forget where his only joy was to have participated in the tribute to his countryman, Paco Gento.

Apart from presenting a track record hard to beat (9 Leagues, 4 Cups of Spain, two UEFA Cup) in the mind of Santillana will always endure the final of the European Cup loss on May 27, 1981 in the Parc des Princes against Liverpool. Another gray time refers to the final played against Aberdeen in 1983. The scenario was on this occasion the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg. Again a British team had departed him from the continental glory.

These two thorns in the heart of Santillana were palliated with two UEFA Cups won by Real Madrid (1985, 1986) after nineteen years without achieving any European title. Both titles were marked by a factor, the "stage fright", and Carlos Santillana was one of the main characters of that era. Despite reap bad results out of the Bernabeu, Real Madrid was able to exploit the field factor, with comebacks in playoffs that seemed already lost in advance. Videoton and Cologne had to bow this time against Real Madrid.

Among the most important comebacks is the achieved against the Borussia, on December 11, 1985, with a win 4-0, which canceled the lost match 5-1 against Moenchengladbach. Santillana got the winning goal in the last minute of the contest. Santillana scored the goal on the 89 minute and all the fans walked into the world of the legend, of historical comebacks. A goal worthy of a man of character and commitment.

His story ends with his intervention in the Spanish national team, whose jersey defended 53 times. He debuted in 1975, and scored a total of fifteen goals. He participated in two World Cups, Argentina and Spain, getting to be second in the Eurocup 1984, again at the Parc des Princes against France. In qualifying stage, Santillana was one of the principal players of the epic 12-1 against Malta, one of the most important matches in the history of Spanish football.

On May 22 of 1988, played his last official match for Real Madrid against Valladolid. That day Real Madrid celebrated its achievement of the twenty-third league title. It was the last night that the head of Carlos Santillana flew again in the sky at Chamartin. Possibly the best head-game player there has ever been. He had a huge jump power. He stayed in the air and connected with the ball. He formed a legendary partnership with Juanito.

Legends: Jose Antonio Camacho

JOSE ANTONIO CAMACHO

Jose Antonio Camacho

Jose Antonio Camacho Alfaro was born in Cieza (Murcia), June 8, 1955. He is the youngest of five children born in the marriage of Mr. Antonio Camacho and Mrs. Gregoria Alfaro. When the young Jose Antonio was 6 years old he moved with his family to Albacete, where it begins to kick for the first time a football ball.

With sixteen years makes his debut with the youth team football Albacete, lining up as a left midfielder. Soon he was known for his football qualities and is called to the youth national team by then national coach Hector Rial. Three matches he played for the Spanish youth team which serve him to jump to the first team of Albacete, which, at that time, played in the First Regional (5th Division).

But little time he was to remain in this category. Real Madrid is interested in the young player. And, of course, comes at the same time FC Barcelona. However, Camacho decides to accept the call of the Real and a few days later travels to the capital of Spain for a test in which he has to defend a man who with the passing of the years would be, like Camacho, legend of Real Madrid: Carlos Alonso "Santillana".

The test could not be more satisfactory. A few months later, March 1973, Camacho signed for the Castilla, Real Madrid's reserve team. Camacho started the season 1973/74 with the reserves and becomes one of the pillars of the team. His great performance serves to make the leap to the first team when had not finished the season. He debuts in Malaga, in a match that Real Madrid lost 1-0. It was five games to complete the league and Camacho would not move from the first team.

The misfortune visited Camacho when he lived his best football. During a training with the team, January 5, 1978, suffered a serious injury with torn meniscus and cruciate ligaments in his left knee that kept him away from the pitch for almost two years. After a first surgery, which did not produce the desired results, Camacho went back through surgery in the city of Paris on March 2, 1979.

The bravery and effort of Jose Antonio Camacho, even in training, led him to suffer the worst injury can hit a player. For more than twenty months Camacho suffered the unspeakable to return to put on his football boots, but in the end, based on sacrifice and determination, he returned to the pitch where waited for him many days of glory. It was the revival of "Phoenix Bird".

As a player was noted for his iron defenses, anticipation and speed, but why he marked an era at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team was, without doubt, his spirit of sacrifice and dedication, their desire to win and charisma that helped teamwork especially .

During the 16 years he played for Real Madrid, he won 9 Spanish leagues, 4 Spanish cups (Copa del Rey) and 2 UEFA Europe cups as main titles. Camacho played his last official match for Real Madrid on June 30, 1989. After he stayed at Real Madrid as coach of the youth teams (Castilla). Then with the passing of the years, climbed the ladder rungs of the Spanish coaches to become national coach, in a successful career.

Legends: Manuel Sanchis Sr.

MANUEL SANCHIS SR.

Manuel Sanchis Sr.

Manuel Sanchis Martinez was born in Alberique (Valencia), March 26, 1938. He began his career in the youth team of Villanueva de Castellón, to play later in a modest club of his hometown, "Peñas Soriano", where he rose to prominence for his fighting spirit and character, two qualities that accompanied him during his career. As it could not be otherwise, the scouts in the service of the great football clubs put their eyes in that fibrous kid and was Barcelona who took his services for the youth team.

However, in Barcelona he did not enjoy all the opportunities he deserved and was transferred to Condal, where he played four years, from 1957 to 1961. Then he signed for Real Valladolid for three seasons (61-64), where showed the great player he was in his first steps in football. Safety in the midfield and great performance in attack were decisive for his signing for Real Madrid. Sanchis was at that time 26 years old.

The arrival of Sanchis at the Real Madrid occurred in November 1964, but his debut was not until 25 January 1965 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the opponent was the team of his birthplace, Valencia. That afternoon the Real Madrid defeated the "Ches" by three goals to nil.

Little by little the Valencian player was winning the number 3 team, undergoing a transformation in his game because he had begun his career as an offense player. However, his exceptional talents, accompanied by a good technique, drove him down to the defense without sacrificing a bit of his goal power. Indeed, without fear of error, we can say Manolo Sanchis was a pioneer in what is now known as pattern of attack defender.

His time in the white team was very successful. Four league titles, three Spanish cups, and above all, the title of European Cup, that Real Madrid earned thanks to the "ye-ye" team in which Sanchis was an important part. Completed his commitment to Real Madrid in the 1970-71 season, he signed by the Cordoba team where he played two seasons and in which finished his career with 34, 18 of them as a player.

Manolo Sanchis was 12 caps for the Spanish national team. Considering that at that time the national teams played one or two international matches per year and Sanchis began wearing the national team shirt when he just turned 26 years old, we conclude that the dozen times that he played is a good brand. However, Sanchis is and will be more memorable than other players who wore the red shirt more times because of the goal he scored against Switzerland at the World Cup in England 66.

Spain had to win the Swiss team to move to the next round. The game was tied and and then Sanchis got a ball in his own area and crossed the field in a flash, dodging everything that was put in front of him, to stand alone with the goalkeeper and beat him. One feature of fury, with the success of the goal, a goal that went around the world.

He continued interested in the world of football and earned the title of coach. With it in his pocket began his teaching career in front of Real Madrid's youth. Later he managed other teams; Castilla, Tenerife, Torrejon, Parla, Daimiel, Don Benito and the Equatorial Guinea national team.

He is married and has three children; Manuel, Elena and Alicia. His son, Manuel Sanchis Jr., following in the footsteps of his father, has triumphed in the ranks of Real Madrid, but that's another story.

Legends: Jose Martinez 'Pirri'

JOSE MARTINEZ 'PIRRI'

Jose Martinez Sanchez "Pirri"

Jose Martinez Sanchez, known by his nickname 'Pirri', was born in Ceuta in 1945 and began playing football in the teams; Imperio Riffien, Sociedad Deportiva Ceuta and Atletico Ceuta, highlighting in all these teams in which he played. While giving his first steps into the world of football was studying at the Augustinians of Ceuta.

At 18 he moved to Granada to continue his studies. There he joins the local team, the Granada CF, where he begins making a name in Spanish football. In season 1963-64, "Pirri" is called to play in the Spanish selection of fans for his great performances in Granada. He plays on the right wing as midfielder.

Real Madrid was living a time of change. The team was veteran and needed updating. Men such as Alfredo Di Stefano, are replaced by Grosso, came Mogollon and Sancho, De Felipe joined the team after have been on loan at Rayo Vallecano... Jose Martinez "Pirri", joined the Whites in 1964, and had the difficult mission to replace Ferenc Puskas.

Began that season the famous team of "Ye-ye", consisting of eleven Spanish players led by Francisco Gento. In his first year in white, "Pirri" won the first of the ten Leagues he would win in his time as a player for Real Madrid. From midfield to defense, to end up as free defender. His efforts made ​​him one of the legendary players of Real Madrid, being the sixth player in team history that more often has worn the white jersey in the Spanish League (417).

Without doubt, two events marked the sporting history of "Pirri". In 1966, Real Madrid was one of the youngest teams in Europe, and despite his inexperience, won the continental title in a very emotional final played at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, against Partizan Belgrade.

Five years later, "Pirri" lived one of the saddest chapters of his sporting life, during the final of the Cup Winners' Cup 1971, lost against Chelsea. "Pirri" was injured during the first match, which ended in a draw, and went down in history for having played the game with his arm in a sling for a broken collarbone. They had to play a match tiebreaker and the title was won by the English. The image of "Pirri" with his arm close to his body, under the white shirt is one of the images that will go down in football history. Four years later, in 1975 he played a Spanish Cup final, against FC Barcelona, with his jaw broken. Therefore he was awarded by the Real Madrid with the first 'Laureada', the most important badge of the club that was given him by then club president Don Santiago Bernabeu.

Midfielder, defender, makeshift striker. If something was characteristic in "Pirri" was his versatility. His quality and strength combined perfectly with the claw and the anger that showed on the pitch. In addition to his defensive qualities, "Pirri" was a scorer, achieving 170 goals in his sixteen seasons with the shirt of Real Madrid (561 matches).

In 1980 he moved to FC Puebla Mexico, where he played his final two seasons and finished his Medicine studies. Back in Spain, he joined the Real Madrid medical staff and then his coach team. In 2000 he was general manager of Real Madrid, leaving the position with the arrival of Jorge Valdano in September of that year.

Legends: Amancio Amaro

AMANCIO AMARO

Amancio Amaro

Amancio Amaro was born in La Coruña, October 16, 1939. From his childhood he liked kicking the ball as an offensive player. That is, that Amancio preferred scoring goals rather than avoid, dribbling with the ball at his feet, treating the ball with care as opposed to his rivals who liked more to strike the opponent's legs that ball. In short, Amancio played in the right side with skill and speed and was astonishing both friends and strangers.

Player

At fifteen years old, he moved to team Victoria, of his hometown, and in the 1958-59 season he joined Deportivo de La Coruna, by then in the Second Division of Spanish football. Amancio was promoted to First Division with Deportivo. That is when begin to hear the first rumors of signing. The seats of Riazor begin to fill with scouts from different major teams, including Real Madrid.

Amancio's signing for Real Madrid was not about to take place. The astronomical salary, 10 million pesetas ( 60,000 euros), was filed as a slab on the wishes of the player to sign with the white team. Real Madrid's delegates called on the president Bernabeu, who was on holiday in Santa Pola, to inform him of the unviable operation. Bernabéu asked them to reconvene and meditate again, but at the end of the talks the situation had not changed. They informed again Don Santiago, who emphatically declared: "Amancio will play for Real Madrid: Sign him". Again, the Bernabeu's intuitive instinct was right.

Amancio signed for Real Madrid in June 1962. That same year, also arrives Zoco, Muller and Yanko Daucik. Amancio is no stranger to the stage of transition that is experiencing Real Madrid. Years ago, the team had swept both inside and outside of Spain, winning the first five European Cups. Amancio debuted in European competition against Anderlecht (3-3 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium). In League, he played the first match in Sevilla, against Real Betis, with a favorable outcome to the whites by 5-2 (Amancio socred one of the goals). The success came quickly. In his first seven seasons with Real Madrid, won six Leagues and later would add three more to reach nine titles in his 14 seasons in Madrid.

But in Europe luck is more elusive. In 1964, Amancio suffers a major sport disappointment in his first European final. The Viennese Prater was the scene of the Real Madrid's defeat against Inter Milan.. Italian team showed on the pitch conjunction and quality. A year later, in 1965, Benfica, removed the whites of European competitions. In 1966, Real Madrid faced the ninth European Cup with renewed hopes. Madrid team has undergone a profound transformation. Miguel Munoz is the new coach and has incorporated some young players of great renown, but all responsibility fell on "The Wizard" (Amancio's nickname).

Brussels, is decked out to welcome the finalists of the European Cup, Real Madrid and Partizan. Heysel Stadium is the perfect setting in which Real Madrid will try to rejuvenate old laurels, and the Yugoslavs put his name along to the major teams in Europe. On May 11, 1966 is the appointed day. Vasovic scored first for Partizan, but Amancio tied the matchwith a goal in a wonderful play. Then, Serena scored with a stunning shot from 30 meters. That was when the young "ye-yes" realized that they could be champions of Europe and left the skin on the field. Final score: 2-1. Amancio had managed to win a European Cup.

With the Spanish team, Amancio played 42 times. In these games the Real Madrid player got eleven goals and was a participant in the greatest achievement in the history of Spain's national team until that time: the victory in the final of Euro 1964 (2-1) against the Soviet Union.

Amancio Amaro

Coach

Amancio belonged to the template of Real Madrid until the 1975-76 season in which he left permanently football as a player and started a new era on the bench. In 1982, is signed by Luis de Carlos to coach Real Madrid Castilla, team with which conquered the Second Division Championship in his second season. He coached Butragueño, Michel, Sanchis Jr., Martin Vazquez and Pardeza. In the 1985/86 season took over the first team. The results were not good and Amancio left the team.

Since then, he was part of Real Madrid as scout and as board member on the first stage of Florentino Perez. He definitely left the club in 2006.

Legends: Alfredo Di Stefano

ALFREDO DI STEFANO

Alfredo Di Stefano

Alfredo Di Stefano was born on July 4, 1926 in the neighborhood of Barracas, where was the port of Buenos Aires. There, the English sailors introduced the football in Argentina. His grandfather Miguel was the first Di Stefano who arrived in the country, from Capri (Italy). His father, Alfredo, married Eulalia Laulhé who had French and Irish origin. They had three childs; Alfredo, Tulio (left midfielder footballer) and Norma (she was a basketball player).

"Little Tow" (Estopita: His grandfather placed him this nickname due to the old yellow mops that were used on ships) grew up playing with neighborhood kids on vacant lands in "the academy of the street", with rubber balls that cost two cents. His first organized team was called "Unidos y Venceremos", before moving to the "Flores" neighborhood, where he played for "Imán".

In 1940, his family moved to "Los Cardales", in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. His father was a collector of cereals and worked in the field. Alfredo left school and began working to help the family finances. That would have been his future if he had not followed the footsteps of football, a flame which, fortunately, was installed in his heart deeply. Football was his irrepressible passion. On Sunday he played with his brother Tulio in a local league and in the afternoon he went with his father to see River Plate (he was member from seven years). His amazing play and talent did not go unnoticed. In 1944 he made a test for River Plate and was quickly accepted in the youth team.

Player

He began with 18 years in the fourth category, from there ascended to the third and then to the First Division. Debuted with River in 1945 and that season he only played one match. For the 1946 season he was loaned to Huracan. There his coaches knew that they had an exceptional player. In 1947 he returned to River, in which he won the League Championship and was proclaimed top scorer. That year he debuted with the Argentina National Team that won the South American Championship in Guayaquil (Ecuador), in which he scored six goals. Soon he was dubbed with the nickname of "Blond Arrow" (LaSaeta Rubia) by the explosive speed that impressed on his play. In the Argentine Championship he played 66 games and scored 49 goals.

A general strike paralyzed the Argentine football and Di Stefano joined the "Millonarios" of Bogota, the best team in Colombia. It was a truly global selection, where coincided with major players like Rossi, Baez or Pederson. The sporting success of this 'Blue Ballet' pierced borders. This team played 294 matches and scored 267 goals. In 1952, he played for the first time in Spain (Chamartin Stadum), during the tournament to commemorate the 50 Anniversary of the Real Madrid. That day Real Madrid fans fell in love with him.

Real Madrid's dream was fulfilled in 1953 when Real Madrid managed to sign the best player of the moment after a long dispute with Barcelona that was also bidding for his services. He debuted on September 23, 1953 against Nancy (France). It was the first of the 510 matches played with Real Madrid scoring 418 goals. With the white set he won 8 Leagues, 5 European Cups, 1 Spanish Cup and 1 Intercontinental Cup among many other titles. In addition, he won five times the Pichichi trophy in seasons; 1953/54, 1955/56, 1956/57, 1957/58 and 1958/59.

Alfredo Di Stefano with 5 European Cups

That Real Madrid has gone down in history as one of the best teams of all time. In its brand new stadium, Santiago Bernabéu brought together a generation of unrepeatable footballers: Gento, Rial, Kopa, Puskas, Santamaria, Juanito Alonso, Zárraga... and Di Stefano, considered by all the squad as the natural leader, although he rejected the praise. He was a complete player, a role model on and off the pitch. UEFA awarded him the Golden Ball in 1957 and 1959.

He was captain of the "Rest of the World" team in the centenary of the English Football Association (1963). His last official match with Real Madrid was on May 27, 1964 in the Prater Stadium (Vienna) in the final of the ninth European Cup. After two seasons in the RCD Espanyol, he finally left the football with a tribute match that faced Real Madrid and Celtic Glasgow in 1966. That night took off his captain's armband to give it to Grosso in the middle of the roar of the crowd, standing to say goodbye to the best player who has stepped on the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Alfredo Di Stefano (1982)

Coach

In March 1982, sixteen years after his farewell in the Bernabeu, Di Stefano signed as coach of Real Madrid (Luis de Carlos was the president). After the World Cup was presented on July 20, 1982 along with his assistant Juan Santisteban and Jesus Paredes. "I will give the team moral, strength and mastery", he said in his message to the fans. It was a year of records, although bittersweet, because Di Stefano led the team to five finals and was runner-up in five. The team lost the League (Athletic Bilbao), the Cup Winners Cup (Aberdeen), the Spanish Cup (Barcelona), the League Cup (Barcelona) and the Spanish Super Cup (Real Sociedad).

The following season he returned to coach the team. He always opted for the younger players and had players like Butragueño, Sanchis, Martin Vazquez and Pardeza. It was the seed of a team that amazed Europe in the second half of the decade. But the rush of football and the lack of titles led to the exit of Di Stefano, who gave way to Amancio Amaro. "The doors of the Club are always open for you", Luis de Carlos recalled him in the farewell.

Six years later, on November 21, 1990, he returned temporarily to the white bench, along with Grosso and Camacho. At that time he was presidential adviser, and coached because the club had fired Toshack. In just a few months he changed the face of the team and its commitment to an offensive football was rewarded with the Spanish Super Cup, won against Barcelona. Months later, he left his post to Radomir Antic.

Di Stefano also coached Elche (1967), Boca Juniors (1968), Rayo Vallecano (1975),Castellón (1976), River Plate (1981) and Valencia (three times). In all these teams left the stamp of his competitive nature, love for his work and winning spirit. In all teams is respected and still loved. Under his discipline played hundreds of footballers that still have his lessons in the memory as their greatest asset.

Since 2000, Alfredo di Stefano is honorary president of Real Madrid and now "lives" the club with the same passion and commitment that the first day. His door is always open. His voice is still the beacon that lights to Real Madrid on the way to the title of best team in the XXI century.

Legends: Ferenc Puskas

FERENC PUSKAS

Ferenc Puskas

Ferenc Puskas Biro was born in Budapest on April 2, 1927. His real surname was Purczfeld, German origin, but he changed Puskas (gun in Hungarian) after the Second World War.

Son of a famous soccer player of Northern Hungary, started playing soccer when he was a ball boy in the field of Kispest club in Budapest. At ten he was playing at that club, and at 16 made his debut in the Hungarian First Division, commanded by a coach known to him: his father. His left leg combined strength and precision and had unlimited resources. He played in this club from 1943 to 1949 when it was renamed Honved, the Hungarian Army team, and Puskas remained in it until 1956, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel.

His career at this time was brilliant, especially in the Hungary selection. With the national team got the Olympic championship in Helsinki in 1952 and the historic 6-3 victory against England at Wembley (as captain) in December 1953. This national team was that dazzled the world at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, with players like Kocsis, Bozsik, Czibor or Hidegkuti, besides Puskas, getting second place in the world cup (after unexpectedly losing the final against Germany). This team was known as the "Magical Magyars".

His life changed the November 4, 1956, when the USSR invaded Hungary. On the way to Bilbao with his team, Honved, in the city of Vienna, Puskas and other partners as Czibor or Kocsis, deserted because of the invasion, earning a punishment of two years by FIFA. He left behind a balance of 349 league games with 358 goals, more than a goal per game.

Ferenc Puskas lived in several countries in Europe and South America until he was signed by Real Madrid, rejecting offers from several clubs in Italy. Thus, thirty-one years old he became Real Madrid player, completing the group was already legendary; Alfredo Di Stefano, Kopa, Rial, Santamaría, Gento, Dominguez ... It was quite a surprise to the Spanish fans, it was thought that a man like Puskas, at that time about to turn thirty-two years and overweight, had nothing to do at a team like Real Madrid, in full stars. But the time put everything in place and soon won the support and the sympathy of the fans, becoming "Pancho " Puskas.

During his first season in Spain had some adjustment problems resulting from his difficulties with the language and his long inactivity, but in his second year began to show signs of quality. Goals and more goals. A match for the story was when he participated in the fifth win for Real Madrid in the European Cup, this time playing the final at Hampden Park in Glasgow against Eintrach Frankfurt, which was defeated 7-3, with four Puskas' goals.

In the following five editions of Spanish League, Real Madrid won the titles, being Puskas the "Pichichi" in the seasons 60/61, 62/63 and 63/64, and winning the Spanish Cup in 1962. Later in1966, Real Madrid returned to win the European Cup, but Puskas did not play the final, as he did in his last season in white (1966/67) in which he only played friendlies.

With the fall of communism, in September 1992 he set residence in Hungary and incorporated in technical tasks of his national team. Ferenc Puskas died on November 17, 2006 in Budapest because of pneumonia. A few years before the death of this legendary player, in his honor, the National Stadium in Hungary changed its name to the Ferenc Puskas Stadium.

A legendary figure in world football, is considered one of the best players in history. He was elected by FIFA 'Top scorer' of the twentieth century in 2004 and ranks 6th in the ranking of the Best footballer of the twentieth century, published by IFFHS in 2004.

Legends: Francisco Gento

FRANCISCO GENTO

Paco Gento

Francisco Gento Lopez was born in Guarnizo, Cantabria, 21 October 1933. Son of a truck driver, left school at fourteen to help his father and take care of the cows they had on a small farm. As a child when he ran around Guarnizo, he dreamed of playing for Racing de Santander. Never thought his name would be a world football legend and he would be considered the best left midfielder of all time.

At that time he started playing football in the “Nueva Montaña” team, alternating with the athletic sport, where he purchased the speed that made him famous as a footballer. Shortly afterwards went to the “Astilleros”. In this team and with only fourteen years, scored nine times in a regional championship game, earning him a move to “Rayo Cantabria”. In 1953 amounted to Racing Santander, where his name became a national attraction. Alvaro Bustamante’s references, vice-president of Real Madrid who was born in the same province that Gento, served that season to sign for the white team for a period of five years. His early performances for the club were a disaster and a disappointment. Extremely fast and lacks a polished technique, raids ended, most of the time, outside the boundaries of the pitch, forgetting the ball that was left behind.

The arrival of Héctor Rial, a fine Argentine midfielder managed to temper the speed of Gento and make him profitable. Passes over 40 yards on the boot of the Cantabrian were finished in impressive gallops by the band in which he moved the ball a few yards and ran after him, overflowing with all that is put in front. Only stopped when he approached the line of lime which delimits the end of the field, then he took out his left leg and threw a measured center to the head of Di Stefano, Puskas or any other striker in that wonderful team.

Francisco Gento always noted for his impressive speed and prodigious dribbling that left sitting all his rivals. This made him the most dangerous left side of the moment. Not noted for his height, but became the world's fastest extreme. Nobody at the time had his speed. Also had a terrible and powerful shot on goal.

Honours

Francisco Gento's fame spreads far beyond Spanish. In Europe, Gento have been the only player in the world who played for fifteen consecutive years in the European Cup (Champions League), appearing in eight finals and achieving six titles, the last being perhaps the most emotional because he captained a young team, dubbed the "Ye-ye", composed by young Spanish players. This was the title that best taste left in Paco Gento.

Gento's track record  like player is really impressive. During the eighteen years he played for Real Madrid, Gento won: 6 European Cups, 12 League titles, 2 Spanish Cups and 1 Intercontinental Cup, among other awards.

He wore the Spanish jersey 44 times and has long held the record for games played with the national team. Among the amenities that football has given him is to have played in two world championships. In 1963 he was selected by FIFA to make the team "Rest of the World" which faced the English at Wembley Stadium in London.

After retiring as an active player became coach. He managed Castilla, Castellón, Palencia, Granada and several teams from the inferior categories of the Real Madrid. Today, Gento is "Real Madrid ambassador in Europe", traveling in front of the first team, along with his inseparable friend and Honorary President of Real Madrid, Alfredo DiStefano, on European soil.

Legends: Raymond Kopa

RAYMOND KOPA

Raymond Kopa

Raymond Kopaszewski, world famous for Kopa, born in Noeux-Les-Mines, a smallmining town in northern France, on 13 October 1931. The young Frenchman, of Polish descent, early showed his passion for football.

Just behind the family home was the field of the village's team, which entered the age of ten. After completing his primary education goes to work in a mine where he also did his father. Abandoning coal pits after an accident in which lost the index finger of his left hand went to Angers, in which, under the guidance of coach Camille Cottin, Kopa is devoted fully. After two years in Angers walking the trails of the Second Division in 1951 signed for Stade de Reims for a lot of money at the time (1.8 million francs).

During the five years he was in French team, the fabulous French right midfielder rose to fame for his outstanding balance; in 158 games he scored 48 goals so he was elected the third best player in Europe, behind the legendary Matthews and Di Stefano.

His first contact with the white jersey of Real Madrid came to occasion of the farewell tribute to Luis Molowny. There began the particular affair between Real Madrid and French start. Curiously, his arrival in Madrid came just hours after the June 13, 1956, when the white set defeated Stade Reims at the final of the first edition of the European Cup. Attracted by the play of Kopa, Real Madrid signed him to the French.

Kopa had to adapt to a new position in the right hand, but the intelligence was one of his many qualities and had no problem putting on No. 7 on the shirt, to Alfredo di Stefano continued to be the conductor of Real Madrid . Fast player, skillful and a great specialist in the passes and assists. A player of great elegance and talent he knew when to stop the game, hiding the ball as a teacher and was able to unbalance at the right time. With Real Madrid, won two Spanish leagues (1957 and 1958) and three European Cups (1957,1958 and 1959).

After a brilliant pass by Madrid, Kopa returned to Stade de Reims in 1959 where he won two league titles and where he remained until his retirement at the edge of the 36 years in 1966 when his team won the French D2.

Legends: Miguel Muñoz

MIGUEL MUÑOZ

Miguel Muñoz

Player

His athletic career in football began in Madrid where he was born in 1922. There he played on different teams like Ferroviaria, the Girod and the Imperio and began to have his first contact with the ball. The year 1943 will mark his life. He had to go for Logroño, to complete military service. There, he played for the C.D. Logroñés, which drops to third division. The following year, in the 1943-44 season signed for Racing de Santander, where he remained until 1946, when he comes to Celta de Vigo. With this team played his first final (Spanish Cup).

Miguel Muñoz and Pahiño cap a great season, which ends with the two players wearing the white shirt of Real Madrid.That season is just getting third in the league. The team is going through a transition period with high-profile additions that are going to get that little by little the Club holds the leadership of Spanish football. His first league title gets it in the 1953-54 season.

In 1956 Miguel Munoz gets his name to go to a special place in international football history. On 13 June at the Parc des Princes will be the first player to receive theEuropean Cup being the captain of Real Madrid. The Muñoz, Di Stefano, Rial, Marquitos and company had managed to defeat the Stade Reims in his own field, opening the most brilliant period of Real Madrid.

Miguel Muñoz is part of the Real Madrid until the 1958-59 season. It is ten years in which he raises two European titles and two league championships. His withdrawal occurs with the arrival of new players to Real Madrid, and after raising his third European Cup. After hanging up his boots, Muñoz remains linked to the history of Real Madrid, first as coach of the Plus Ultra, and after the Real Madrid first team.

Coach

In the 1959-60 season took over as coach of Real Madrid and that same year he won the European Cup and became the first person to win as a player and coach. Coached Real Madrid for 13 years and six months in a total of 601 league games. During his years as coach, Real Madrid won 9 League, 2 Spanish Cup, 2 European Cups and 1 Intercontinental Cup.

Miguel Muñoz Coach

He is the coach who led Real Madrid more times, who has won more league titles with 9 in 21 seasons and the third coach with the most matches in the league, behind Luis Aragones and Javier Irureta.

In 1982, after the failure of the Spanish team in the World Cup, was named national team coach, heading to Spain in the 1986 World Cup and Euro 1984 (Spain was finalist) and 1988.

He died on July 16, 1990.

Legends: Luis Molowny

LUIS MOLOWNY

Luis Molowny

Luis Molowny Arbelo was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, May 12, 1925 into a family with Irish ancestry. From young, he begins to play football in his hometown.

Player

At fifteen, he wants to test with Club Deportivo Tenerife, which had convened a screening test. Despite his request, was not invited to test. He attended the appointed day and stood behind the goal to return the balls that left the field for the bad aim of the players. His clever way to return the ball, made the technical drafted him.

Molowny is then signed by the Club Santa Cruz, in first regional division, where he could not play matches, because the minimum age to do that was 18 years. Only played friendly matches. Subsequently signed for Marino, where they won the Canary Islands Championship. At this point begins to awaken the interest of the big teams.

After the battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Luis Molowny end wearing the white jersey for 1946-47 season. His personal and sport adaptation was perfect. His debut comes at Metropolitan Stadium -Chamartin was under construction- against FC Barcelona. When it seemed that the tables would be the end result, Molowny pulled a magnificent and precise header which gave the win to Real Madrid.

He was a player of great precision in passing, clever and cool. Noted for its easy tricks, the temple in his ball controls and withering attacks, always topped with unstoppable shots.

Real Madrid played for eleven seasons, with players like Alfredo Di Stefano, Francisco Gento, Raymond Kopa and Ferenc Puskas. He won several titles and left the football with the appreciation of the Real Madrid fans. He played a year in Las Palmas, where he finally retired from active football.

Coach

After retiring as player, began a successful coaching career. From 1967 to 1970 he trained at UD Las Palmas, where he became runner-up league.

Luis Molowny Coach

And in 1974 he began his relationship with the club. Joins Real Madrid to replace Miguel Muñoz. Train the team for 5 months and get a Spanish Cup. He returned in September 1977 after Miljanic leaving the team, getting a Spanish League. Leads the team until June 1979. In 1982, he was named to lead the team for two months until the end of the season. In April 1985, following the resignation of Amancio Amaro, Molowny returned to take over the team. His management ended in April 1986, This would be his last involvement as coach of Real Madrid, winning a league title and UEFA Cup that season.

From there, he served as sports director of Real Madrid. His final retirement came in 1990 when he decided to reside in his native island. He died in February 2010

Legends: Ricardo Zamora

RICARDO ZAMORA

Ricardo Zamora

Ricardo Zamora Martínez, was known as "Divine." An adjective that describes the effect that Zamora produced on the fans and rivals. Its passage by the Spanish football left a deep imprint. Its always perfect position covering the goal, the security that showed in all his actions, his incredible reflexes, nerves of steel and personality. Undoubtedly one of the best Spanish players in history.

Ricardo Zamora was born in Barcelona in 1901, and began to play soccer when the sport took its first steps in Spain. His career began in 1916 when just 16 years joined RCD Español, club where he trained as a professional player and where he played his first games. In 1919, after a quarrel with the Español executives, joined rival club in the city, Barcelona. He was Barcelona player for three seasons and with the Catalans won his first title, a Spanish Cup.

In 1920 the Spanish football team went to the Olympic Games in Antwerp. In the first action of Spain as a football team in an official tournament, reached the silver medal after winning four matches and losing only the final, which was considered a success. After returning from Belgium, Zamora asked the president of Barcelona, Mr. Gamper, an increase in salary, a request which Barcelona did not accept. In 1922 he returned to Espanyol. Zamora's return to his home club was hatched after a spectacular signing that broke all economic records established.

However, Ricardo Zamora had to taste the sweetness of victory with his arrival at Real Madrid. In midsummer of 1930 the capital of Spain is a hotbed of rumors. Zamora joins Real Madrid. Zamora was basic piece at Real Madrid for the title in the 1931-32 season in a great championship, which the team finished undefeated. Would not be the only league title to win. In the following year he repeated luck with the revalidation of the League. Zamora's competition was once again a basic role in the victory. Zamora increase his record with Real Madrid with two Spanish Cups, achieved in 1934 and 1936 seasons.

On the latter, the last official match football to be played before the civil war that ravaged Spain for three years, was born the myth of Zamora, in a final that faced Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia. The white team won 2-1 and the player was paraded on the shoulders of the enthusiastic spectators fans.

During the Spanish Civil War, Zamora was arrested, being detained at the prison in Barcelona, although there were no known reasons. Finally, the Embassy of Argentina interceded for the release of the player. After his release, Zamora was exiled first to the country that helped rescue, and a year later in Nice (France), a city in which football club he met his friend Josep Samitier. He remained there until the end of the conflict, and retired from football.

As a coach, after the war, he joined Atletico. He coached this club for six seasons and won a league title in 1940-41. Subsequently he held the bench Celta Vigo, Malaga CD, RCD Espanyol and in 1952, for the Spanish National team. He was also coach of Venezuela in 1953. He died on September 8, 1978.

As a tribute to Zamora, the trophy awarded to the keeper with least goals conceded in the league, bears his name. If it had granted in his day, he would have won three times in the 1929/30 season with RCD Espanyol and those of 1931/32 and 1932/33 at Real Madrid.

Legends: Jacinto Quincoces

JACINTO QUINCOCES

Jacinto Quincoces

Quincoces born in Barakaldo, 17 June 1905, but his family moving to Vitoria for family reasons. This will mean, eventually, something very important in the career of Jacinto. With thirteen years is called by the first team in the capital Vitoria, Alaves, to play just one match against Osasuna in Pamplona. Jacinto was still forming and Alaves definitely engages the player in the 1925-26 season, seven years after that first test.

At this time, the Vitoria team turns in his career and what were defeats turn into successes. Successes that will benefit his players, in particular, Quincoces.

The year was 1931, when Jacinto Quincoces gets the prize for their worth in sports: a move to Real Madrid. Beside him is his inseparable friend and companion Ciriaco. His sobriety and acrobatic punts made him acquire fame. Zamora, Ciriaco and Quincoces formed a legendary defense, which is still cited as one of the best defenses in the world, model technique and strength.

The first year as a Real Madrid player could not be more fruitful, both for Quincoces to Real Madrid. The white team gets the league championship without losing a game in tough battle with Athletic Bilbao, which was resolved in the last two days. Would not be the only award he would get on their way to Real Madrid. The following year, 1932-33 season, Real Madrid would rise again to the league title, one more award to add to the history of fierce defense. In the Cup of Spain, the Madrid achieved the runner-up.

In the next season would be the reverse. Whites, with Quincoces fully integrated would be second in the league tournament and cup winners. Two more consecutive league runners-up gave way to the first cup final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, 21 July 1936. The Madrid won tournament (2-1), in an intense match at Mestalla and Quincoces emerged as an impregnable bulwark.

The Spanish Civil War brought a hiatus to any sporting activity. The war almost retired Quincoce as player, and although he rejoined the Real Madrid, his career was short-lived.

Jacinto Quincoces think of retirement. He is 34 years and the long hiatus of the war seemed an insurmountable handicap. However, he would prolong his career until 1942. On that date and after a match against Sevilla at Chamartin, Quincoces took the decision to leave football career. On December 8 Real Madrid gives him a deserved tribute.

After his retirement, Quincoces continued connected to the football.He became coach and debuted with Zaragoza. After a couple of seasons in the team, was named national coach in 1945. Then he coached Real Madrid, winning the League 1945-46. Jacinto Quincoces died on May 10, 1997 in Valencia.

Legends: Ciriaco Errasti

CIRIACO ERRASTI

Ciriaco Errasti

Ciriaco began playing at the Unión Deportiva Eibar in his hometown, but acquired a wide reputation in the Deportivo Alaves, where he began to form a great defensive tandem with Quincoces. The great work of both was to set their team to the first division. Not unnoticed for Santiago Bernabéu.

Ciriaco was a very strong and powerful player that stood by the forcefulness which he applied in all his actions. He played well but simply, the main slogan for defenders of his time.

His arrival at Real Madrid was quickly endorsed by the successes. In his first two seasons (31-32 and 32-33) won the first two leagues in the history of the club. Its simplicity and forcefulness were instrumental in those titles. In those early campaigns played almost all league matches, forming an almost impregnable defense. Zamora (GK) received only 15 goals in the first championship; 17 in the second.

An injury marred season three of Ciricao. He could play the last two league games. His absence was important and that is why Real Madrid failed to get his third consecutive league title. The importance of the return of the brave defense Eibar was noticeable and Madrid could win the Cup against Valencia. Victory that the team repeated in 1936 by defeating Valencia again by 2-1 in Barcelona. In 1934 he played at full the World Cup in Italy and his trio with Quincoces and Zamora was recognized as the best in the world. The beginning of the Civil War ended the career of a racial defense that left its mark by the indomitable way to defend his team.

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Legends: Santiago Bernabéu

SANTIAGO BERNABÉU

Santiago Bernabéu

Playing career

Bernabeu was born in 1895 in a village of Albacete.He was the seventh son of José Bernabéu, lawyer and administrator in Valencia, and Antonia de Yeste, of cuban origin. With only five years he moved to Madrid with his parents and brothers.

After reaching the capital of Spain, Bernabéu entered the Alfonso XII Royal School of the Augustinians in “San Lorenzo de El Escorial”, where he had his first contact with football. In addition, his older brothers Antonio and Marcelo were also players. Later he studied high school at the Cardenal Cisneros Institute and studied law at the Central University. Although he graduated as a lawyer, never pursued that career.

At school Bernabéu began playing center forward on the soccer team, a position he assumed in his first team, Gimnástica de Madrid. During his time as a bachelor gets to enter Madrid FC- the current Real Madrid CF, where his brother, Antonio Bernabeu, was one of the founding partners. Although the coaches wanted to play as a goalkeeper, his brother Marcelo managed to convince them to play the striker position. The player was part of the youth team for three seasons, until in 1913 he debuted in the ranks of first team

Bernabeu was Real Madrid striker from 1913 to 1927 and during its period of activity scored 69 goals in 78 games, being a hard and effective player.Was also part of the Madrid squad that won the Copa del Rey 1917. Santiago never played an international soccer match in the Spanish team, although it got to be summoned for a match against Portugal on December 17, 1922, without ever debut.

Santiago Bernabéu (Player)

Member of the Board

Santiago Bernabéu retired from football in 1927 and wanted to continue leading the football team. At that time took a position as delegate and assistant coach, and a year later was appointed manager during the period of President Luis Urquijo.

In 1929 he assumed the secretariat of the Board of Directors of Real Madrid, a job he held until 1935. In those years saw the birth of the Spanish Football League with the professionalization of the institutions as the main objective. Its work was instrumental in the signing of players such as Ricardo Zamora. In 1934 Castilian Football Federation awarded him the medal for footballing merit.

With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War took refuge, for two years, in the embassy of France. Later he went into exile in that country and in the last months of the conflict he enlisted in the ranks of the national side.

Real Madrid Presidency

After the war, he returned to the Real Madrid leadership positions, which in those years going through a difficult situation losing most of their best players and without stadium or office. In those years, married in 1940 to Maria Valencia and took a position as a Finance Ministry official.

On September 15, 1943, the Board appointed Real Madrid president Santiago Bernabéu, who has set as its objective the construction of a new stadium, heal the battered economy of the club and professionalize the institution. In June of 1944 formalized the purchase of some adjoining land to the former Chamartín to build the facility, and finally the new Chamartin Stadium was inaugurated on December 14, 1947 with victory over Belenenses 3-1 with 70,000 spectators in the stands. The Board of the club changed the name of the camp on January 4, 1955 by the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, despite the initial reluctance of the president.
Later he opened the sports city, an independent training center of the football stadium which was the usual venue for the preparatory exercises.

In a first stage without success in sports, Bernabéu tried to consolidate the reform on the Real Madrid sporting institutions. After, the club won major titles becoming one of the powers of international football (16 Spanish Leagues, 6 Spanish Cups, 6 European Cups and 1 Intercontinental Cup)

He passed his last months of life relatively smoothly and the president received important awards, including gold and diamond medal of the Royal Spanish Football Federation and the gold medal for sporting merit, awarded by the King Juan Carlos I. He died on June 2, 1978.

Legends: Juan Padrós

JUAN PADRÓS

Juan Padrós

Born in Barcelona in 1869, son of Timoteu Padrós and Paula Rubio, who ran a textile business in the Catalan capital. In 1886 he moved to Madrid, where he led with his brother Carlos, the family business “Al Capricho”, a fabric boutique at number 48, Calle de Alcala.

On March 6, 1902, along with his brother and former members of the Sky Foot Ball Club, founded the named Madrid Foot Ball Club. Juan Padrós was elected to the Constituent Assembly as the first official president of the club and took charge of the probate proceedings of the society, whose first office was installed in the back room of his own trade of Alcalá.

The first meeting of the new formed club took place just three days later face among themselves members of the entity, divided into two groups: blue and red. Juan Padrós, sided with the former, while his brother was the referee of the match.

After creating the new club, the efforts of the brothers parents focus on the implementation of a national inter-club championship. The Championship of Spain was organized by the club, always with the help of his brother Carlos, then chairman of the regional federation.

In 1903 Juan Padrós saw as the presiding club won their first title, the Central Regional Championship.

In early 1904, Madrid FC absorbed “AS Amicale” and, shortly afterwards, joined the “Moderno FC”, after which Juan Padrós left the club presidency in favor of his brother.

After a long period away from the football matters, the name of Juan Padrós returned to the present in July 1911, when the assembly of the Spanish Federation of Foot-ball Clubs asked him, as president. The pressures did, finally, Padrós to accept the position on an interim basis that had rejected a year earlier. His term lasted only one year, long enough to achieve the reunification of Spanish football around the Royal Spanish Football Federation, founded in September 1913.