Emilio BUTRAGUEÑO

He made his debut for Real Madrid, turning the team’s fortunes around with his superb technique and speed in tight spaces. The fans immediately embraced him as the Bernabéu’s new star, nicknaming him “El Buitre” (The Vulture), a play on words based on his surname. He became the symbol of the “Quinta del Buitre”, the generation of young talents who came through Real Madrid’s youth academy. That same year, he was called up to play for the Spanish national team in the European Cup in France.

At the Mexico World Cup, he achieved international fame scoring four goals against Denmark. He also played for the Spanish side in the 1988 European Cup and 1990 World Cup, scoring a total of 26 goals in 69 appearances for his country.

He wrapped up his time at Real Madrid, leaving an indelible mark on the club’s history: in 12 seasons with Los Blancos, he won 16 titles, including 2 UEFA Cups and 6 Spanish league titles. He then moved to Mexico to play for Atlético Celaya where he continued his career and his unwavering popularity.

After hanging up his boots, he returned to Real Madrid to take up the role of assistant to the club’s sporting director. In 2004, he was appointed vice-president and in 2009, head of Public Relations, becoming a true global ambassador for the club.