Luis Aragonés

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Aragonés began his playing career with Getafe Deportivo in 1957. He signed for Real Madrid in 1958 but never made the senior team, spending most of his time there on loan or with the reserve team. He joined Real Oviedo in 1960 and made his Primera División debut. Between 1961 and 1964 he played for Real Betis. In 1964 he was signed by Atlético Madrid, where he acquired the nickname 'Zapatones' and became a free kick specialist. He played 265 Primera Liga games for Atlético between 1964 and 1974, scoring 123 goals. He also played 11 times for Spain, scoring three goals. After retiring as a player, he became a coach and led Spain to the UEFA European Championship title in 2008.

In Their Own Story

The source does not provide specific match narratives or quotes involving Luis Aragonés playing for Athletic Bilbao. However, it details his role within Atlético Madrid's squad during a time of intense rivalry with Real Madrid. Between 1961 and 1980, while Real Madrid dominated La Liga with 14 titles, Atlético offered serious challenges. The text notes that Atlético won La Liga in 1966, 1970, 1973, and 1977 during these decades. In 1965, after finishing as runners-up to Real Madrid, Atlético became the first team to beat their rivals at the Bernabéu in eight years. Aragonés was part of this squad that secured titles in 1966 and 1970, contributing to a era where they also won the Copa del Rey in 1965, 1972, and 1976.

Reader's Guide

Aragonés is best known for his long association with Atlético Madrid as both player and manager. He won multiple La Liga titles and Copa del Rey trophies with the club. As Spain manager, he implemented the tiki-taka style of play and led the team to victory at Euro 2008. He also coached seven other La Liga clubs and Fenerbahçe in Turkey.

Did You Know?

• Aragonés scored a goal in the 1974 European Cup Final for Atlético Madrid against Bayern Munich, but the match ended in a 1–1 draw and Bayern won the replay 4–0.
• He shared the Pichichi Trophy for top scorer in La Liga in 1969–70 with José Eulogio Gárate and Amancio.
• Aragonés captained Spain for the only time in his 11th cap, a 3–0 win over Northern Ireland in November 1970, in which he scored.
• He had a superstitious fear of the colour yellow and referred to Spain's change kit for the Euro 2008 semi-final as 'mustard'.