John Toshack
Welsh striker and manager who won the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad and led Real Madrid to a La Liga title.
John Benjamin Toshack (born 22 March 1949) is a Welsh former professional football player and manager. He began his playing career with Cardiff City, later played for Liverpool, and managed several clubs including Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, and the Wales national team.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- John Benjamin Toshack
- Born
- 22 March 1949
- Birthplace
- Cardiff, Wales
- Position
- Striker
- Total caps
- 397
Lore & Background
Toshack led Real Sociedad to win the Copa del Rey in 1987. Two years later, he was appointed manager of Real Madrid and led them to a fifth consecutive La Liga title. After a disappointing start to the following season, he was dismissed in November 1990 and returned to Real Sociedad.
Reader's Guide
Toshack's managerial career included spells at Sporting CP, Real Sociedad (winning the Copa del Rey in 1987), Real Madrid (winning La Liga in 1989–90), Deportivo La Coruña, Beşiktaş, and the Wales national team (two stints). He also managed Macedonia, Khazar Lankaran, Wydad Casablanca, and Tractor.
Did You Know?
- Toshack became the youngest player to appear for Cardiff City at 16 years and 236 days, a record that stood for 41 years until broken by Aaron Ramsey.
- He scored over 150 goals in the Football League in more than 350 appearances.
- He won 40 caps for Wales and scored 13 goals.
- As player-manager of Swansea City, he led the club from the Fourth Division to the First Division in four seasons, earning the description 'manager of the century' from Bill Shankly.
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