Emilio Butragueno Santos (born July 22, 1963 in Madrid) was a
Spanish football forward,. He is most remembered for his role in
the Real Madrid team as key part of the Quinta del Buitre ("Vulture's
cohort").
In 1981, Butragueno joined Real Madrid as a youth and in a very
short time was playing for the first team, where he was known
under the nickname of El Buitre (The Vulture), a play on his
surname. The then trainer of the team, Alfredo Di Stéfano, gave
him his début in 1984 against Cádiz and he scored twice.
Butragueno was a key member of teams that won the league six
times (1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1995), the Copa del Rey
twice (1989 and 1993), the UEFA Cup twice (1985 and 1986) and
three Spanish super cups (1988, 1990 and 1993). He won the
European Bronze award for best footballer in two consecutive
years (1986 and 1987) and was top-scorer in the Spanish football
league in 1991, gaining him the coveted Pichichi award.
In 1995, Butragueno signed for Atlético Celaya in Mexico and in
his first year the team reached the final of the championship
(which they lost to Necaxa). After playing there three years,
where he was known as the "Gentleman of the Pitch", he finally
decided to retire from the game in March 1998.He has since
worked as an assessor to Real Madrid.
Butragueno played 69 international matches for the Spanish
national team and scored 26 goals. He was part of the Euro 1984
team when Spain reached the finals. He participated in the World
Cup in Mexico where he played a major part, scoring four goals
as Spain beat Denmark 5-1. He also played in Italia '90.
He was perceived as modest and gentle in the field and before
the press, in contrast to other more aggressive or rude players.
However, Spain was shocked when a photo was published showing
him struggling for the ball while his well-sized genitals were
accidentally visible.
As of 2004, he is sporting director of Real Madrid. |
