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Luis Del SolSpanish football player and coach.
Date of Birth: 06.04.1935
Country:  Spain |
Content:
Biography of Luis Del Sol
Luis Del Sol is a Spanish football player and coach currently working in the administrative staff of Real Betis. He was born in Arcos de la Frontera, but spent his childhood in the city of Seville, where his family moved when he was only 2 months old.
Early Career
Del Sol began his career at the club "Ferroviarios" before moving to the youth team of "Betis". He then briefly played for "Utrera" before returning to "Betis" and making his debut in the first team. Del Sol helped the club to promote from Segunda to La Liga in 1958, which caught the attention of Real Madrid, the powerhouse of Spanish football. They were looking for a replacement for the underperforming Brazilian player Didi, and believed that the fast midfielder would be a good support for the aging Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas.
Real Madrid and Juventus
Del Sol joined Real Madrid in 1960 for 8 million pesetas. He played for the "Royal Club" for only two years, but during that time he won the European Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, the biggest club trophies he achieved in his career. In 1962, Del Sol moved to Italian club Juventus, as Real Madrid sold him for 35 million pesetas, hoping to invest the proceeds in the purchase of the super star of "Santos" - Pele. He made his Serie A debut on September 16, 1962, in a match against Genoa. Del Sol played for "Juve" for 8 seasons, winning the Italian championship and cup with the team.
Later Career and International Success
Del Sol then transferred to AS Roma, where he became the team captain, and eventually ended his career at the age of 38 in his hometown club, Real Betis. He represented the Spanish national team in 16 matches and scored 3 goals. Del Sol made his debut for the national team on May 15, 1960, in a match against England, which Spain won 3-0. He played his last game on July 15, 1966, against Switzerland (Spain won 2-1). Del Sol participated in two World Cups and the 1964 European Championship, which Spain won by defeating the USSR in the final. He was recognized as one of the best players of the tournament.
