Roberto Solozábal

Lore & Background

A product of local Atlético Madrid's youth system, Madrid-born Solozábal represented the first team from 1989 to 1997. During the 1995–96 campaign, he formed a solid centre-back partnership with another Colchonero youth graduate, Juan Manuel López, as the capital side achieved an historic double. After leaving Atlético, Solozábal signed with Real Betis. In his last season, where the Andalusian club was relegated and he was ousted from the squad for allegedly organising a riot, he ultimately took it to court for lack of payment in a suit which lasted several years, with the player having already retired.

Reader's Guide

Solozábal was part of the Spanish side that won the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, and also earned 12 full caps in two years, the first coming on 17 April 1991 in a 2–0 friendly loss to Romania in Cáceres. His club honours include La Liga: 1995–96 and Copa del Rey: 1990–91, 1991–92, 1995–96 with Atlético Madrid, and Summer Olympic Games: 1992 with Spain U23.

Did You Know?

• Solozábal's debut for Atlético Madrid was on 2 September in a 3–1 away win against Valencia CF, playing 90 minutes.
• His second son Hugo was also a professional footballer; his oldest son Iker (born 2001) was a triathlete.