Rafael Martín Vázquez

Lore & Background

Born in Madrid, Martín Vázquez joined the youth academy of Real Madrid in 1981 at the age of 15 and made his debut for the first team in 1983, going on to achieve fame as part of the La Quinta del Buitre which still included Míchel, Emilio Butragueño, Miguel Pardeza and Manolo Sanchís. In 1989–90, as Real achieved a club and La Liga record of 107 goals, he scored a career-best 14, second only in the squad to Hugo Sánchez's 38. After the arrival of Romanian Gheorghe Hagi, Martín Vázquez decided to accept the offer of Torino FC, but failed to settle in Italy during his two-season spell, although he did help the side reach the 1992 UEFA Cup final.

He then moved to Olympique de Marseille in 1992 and stayed for the 1992–93 season, playing from July 1992 to January 1993 (about six months), after which a return to Real Madrid was arranged. As injuries hit him, Martín Vázquez eventually retired from football in 1998, after unassuming spells with Atlético Celaya – where he teamed up with Butragueño – and Karlsruher SC (German 2. Bundesliga). Afterwards, he worked with Real Madrid as a youth coach while also keeping fit with the club's veterans.

Reader's Guide

Martín Vázquez played 38 times for Spain, including at UEFA Euro 1988 and the 1990 FIFA World Cup. His debut came on 23 September 1987, in a friendly against Luxembourg. In his two stints with Real Madrid he won six leagues, two UEFA Cups and two Copa del Rey.