Manolo

Manuel Sánchez Delgado, better known as Manolo, was a Spanish striker born on 17 January 1965. Over nine seasons in La Liga, he played 292 matches and scored 96 goals, most of them for Atlético Madrid, where he won two major trophies. He also played top-flight football for Murcia and represented Spain at the 1990 World Cup.

Manolo started his senior career at 17 with local club CP Cacereño. After two years at CE Sabadell, the last in the second division, he joined Real Murcia at the same level. He helped Murcia win promotion to La Liga in 1985–86 and scored 11 goals in 36 games the following season, keeping the team in the top flight.

In 1988, Manolo signed for Atlético Madrid, where he had his best years. Partnering with Portuguese winger Paulo Futre, who provided countless assists, Manolo became the league’s top scorer in 1991–92 with 27 goals. That season, Atlético also won the Copa del Rey, repeating their cup success from the previous year.

Manolo retired in October 1996 at age 31, after a short, injury-hit spell at CP Mérida. A serious tibia injury meant he never played a match for the club, leaving him four goals short of 100 in La Liga. He began coaching in 2007 with Galáctico Pegaso and later worked in Spain’s lower leagues.

Internationally, Manolo debuted for Spain in November 1988, scoring against the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier. He earned 28 caps and nine goals, and played in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, appearing only in the group-stage draw with Uruguay.

Honours include the Copa del Rey with Atlético Madrid in 1990–91 and 1991–92, the Segunda División title with Murcia in 1985–86, and the Pichichi Trophy as top scorer in 1991–92.