Ricardo Zamora

Lore & Background

Born in Barcelona, Zamora began his career as a junior with Universitari SC before signing for Espanyol in 1916 at age 15. He made his debut for Espanyol on 23 April 1916 against Madrid FC (now Real Madrid CF), keeping a clean sheet in a goalless draw. He helped Espanyol win the Campionat de Catalunya in 1918. In 1919 he resumed his studies but accepted an offer from FC Barcelona.

Between 1919 and 1922 he was a prominent member of the Barcelona team coached by Jack Greenwell, winning the Campionat de Catalunya three times and the Copa del Rey twice (1920 and 1922). He returned to Espanyol in 1922. In 1929 he made his La Liga debut with Espanyol and helped the club win the Campionat de Catalunya and their first Copa del Rey in 1929. He joined Real Madrid in 1930.

With Real Madrid he won La Liga in 1931–32 and 1932–33, and the Copa de España in 1934 and 1936. In the 1936 final, Real Madrid beat FC Barcelona 2–1; Zamora made a spectacular last-minute save from Josep Escolà. He made 46 official appearances for Spain, though the exact count is disputed. He was a member of the first Spain national team at the 1920 Olympics, winning silver.

He also played for the Catalan XI, helping them win the Prince of Asturias Cup in 1923–24 and 1926, though records from the era are not always accurate. During the Spanish Civil War, he was imprisoned at the Modelo prison and later released after the Argentinian Embassy interceded. He died on 8 September 1978 in Barcelona.

Reader's Guide

Zamora, nicknamed El Divino, was known for wearing a cloth cap and white polo-neck jumper. He was noted for his athleticism, quick reflexes, shot-stopping, large frame, and bravery. In 1929 while playing for Spain against England, he carried on despite breaking his sternum; Spain won 4–3, becoming the first team from outside the British Isles to defeat England. He is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation. The Ricardo Zamora Trophy for the best goalkeeper in La Liga is named in his honour. As a manager, he led Atlético Madrid to two La Liga titles (1940, 1941), coached Celta de Vigo to fourth in La Liga and the Copa del Generalísimo final in 1947–48, and briefly coached Spain in June 1952.

Did You Know?

• Zamora was sent off during the 1920 Olympics after punching an opponent.
• He was arrested and fined for attempting to smuggle Havana cigars after the 1920 Olympics.
• He was suspended for a year in 1922 for lying to tax authorities about his signing-on fee.
• During the Spanish Civil War, ABC falsely reported his death; he was later imprisoned but saved by the prison governor and his own willingness to talk football with guards.
• He received the Great Cross of the Order of Cisneros from the Franco regime in the 1950s.