On this day 60 years ago, a player who embodied the Real Madrid character in a way few others have ever come close to achieving made his debut for the club: José Martínez Sánchez, Pirri. The madridista legend played his first game in our colours in a win over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu (4-1).
Born in Ceuta on 11 March 1945, Pirri was a hugely versatile player. He could play both at the back and in the centre of the park, and, when the team needed him, he even enjoyed the odd runout as a forward. He arrived at Real Madrid at 19 years of age from Granada, forging an incredible legacy over the course of 16 seasons, making 561 appearances and scoring 172 goals. He was part of the yeyé generation that lifted the sixth European Cup, while he also clinched 10 LaLiga titles and 4 Copas de España.
Legacy
An example of commitment on the pitch, Pirri was the first player to receive one of the most prestigious honours our club can bestow: the Laureada. Upon finishing his studies in Medicine, he returned to the club as Head of Real Madrid's Medical Services, before going on to become general sporting director. On account of his wonderful career, he was unanimously named Real Madrid president of honour at the Extraordinary General Assembly in 2023.