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Jorge ValdanoArgentine footballer, striker
Date of Birth: 04.10.1955
Country:  Argentina |
Content:
- Jorge Valdano: Argentine Football Legend
- Real Zaragoza and Real Madrid
- Real Madrid
- International Career
- Coaching Career
- Valencia and Later Career
Jorge Valdano: Argentine Football Legend
Early Years and Club CareerNewell's Old Boys and Alaves
Jorge Valdano began his football journey with Newell's Old Boys at a young age. Making his debut for the first team at just 17, he quickly showcased his versatile skills, excelling with both feet, heading, and occupying various attacking positions, including midfield. Valdano's team-oriented play contributed to Newell's Old Boys' first championship title in 1974.
In 1975, Valdano moved to Europe, joining Alaves in the Spanish Second Division. Despite becoming the team's top scorer and a fan favorite, he was unable to help Alaves gain promotion during his four years there.
Real Zaragoza and Real Madrid
Real ZaragozaIn 1979, Valdano transferred to Real Zaragoza in the Primera Division. While the team did not challenge for high standings, they consistently fought to maintain their elite status. The 1982/83 season proved particularly successful, with Zaragoza finishing sixth and Valdano scoring 16 goals, placing him among the league's top five scorers.
Real Madrid
Valdano's impressive performances earned him a move to Real Madrid in 1984. He immediately became the team's leading scorer in his first season. The arrival of Mexican striker Hugo Sanchez in 1985 led to the formation of the "BBC" attacking trio, which also included Emilio Butragueño. This trio helped Real Madrid secure its first championship title in five years in 1986 and successfully defend it the following year. They also won two UEFA Cups, with Valdano scoring in both finals. Despite his success, Valdano retired from playing in 1987.
International Career
Valdano debuted for the Argentina national team in 1975 at 19 years of age. Despite being a candidate for the 1978 World Cup on home soil, he was not selected. Four years later, he went to the World Cup in Spain as a key attacker but suffered an injury in the second match against Hungary, ending his participation in the tournament.
Valdano's peak with the national team came at the Mexican World Cup in 1986. He played in all seven matches and scored four goals, including a crucial one in the final against West Germany. He retired from the national team in 1987 with 22 appearances and 11 goals.
Coaching Career
Tenerife and Real MadridSoon after retiring, Valdano transitioned to coaching, starting with Real Madrid's youth team. In 1991, he began his independent coaching career with Tenerife. His team famously defeated league leaders Real Madrid in the final rounds of the 1991/92 and 1992/93 seasons, handing the title to Barcelona both times. Tenerife's fifth-place finish in 1992/93 secured their first European competition appearance, leading to Valdano's appointment as coach of Real Madrid.
Under Valdano, Real Madrid broke Barcelona's dominance and won their first championship title in five years. However, they finished sixth the following season, resulting in Valdano's dismissal. His tenure saw the arrival of Fernando Redondo, the debuts of Raul and Guti, and the former naming his first child Jorge in honor of his first coach at the club.
Valencia and Later Career
Valdano's final coaching job was with Valencia, where he finished 10th in 1997. He decided to leave coaching after that. In 1998, he became general director of Real Madrid, a position he held until 2011. He left amid rumors of internal conflicts with then-manager Jose Mourinho.
Since then, Valdano has worked as a football commentator and expert on television. He is also the author of the book "Dreams of Football" and the editor of "Football Tales."
