Rikardo Samora Spanish football goalkeeper nicknamed "el Divino". Date of Birth: 21.01.1901 Country: Spain

1. Biography of Ricardo Zamora
2. Early Career and International Debut
3. Success with Barcelona and Return to Espanyol
4. Success with Real Madrid and Retirement
5. Coaching Career and Legacy

Biography of Ricardo Zamora

Ricardo Zamora Martínez, also known as "el Divino" (the Divine), was a Spanish football goalkeeper, born on January 21, 1901, in Barcelona. He passed away on September 15, 1978, in the same city. Zamora is considered the strongest goalkeeper in the history of Spanish football and one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He played 46 matches for the Spanish national team and represented clubs such as Espanyol, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Nice.

Early Career and International Debut

Zamora began his career in 1916 with his hometown team, Espanyol. In 1919, he joined another prestigious Catalan club, Barcelona, where he played as a goalkeeper for three years. During this time, he made his debut for the Spanish national team in a match against Denmark on August 28, 1920, during the Olympic Games. Spain won the silver medal in the tournament.

Success with Barcelona and Return to Espanyol

Before returning to Espanyol in 1922, Zamora won the Spanish Cup twice with Barcelona. In 1929, he won the Spanish Cup again with Espanyol. That same year, Zamora was part of the Spanish national team that defeated England 4-3, becoming the first non-British team to defeat England. Despite suffering a serious injury during the match, Zamora continued to play.

Success with Real Madrid and Retirement

In 1929, Zamora joined Real Madrid, where he experienced the most successful period of his career. He helped the club win their first championship title in the 1931/32 season and successfully defended it the following year. Zamora also won two Spanish Cups with Real Madrid. During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, Zamora moved to France, where he eventually ended his playing career.

Coaching Career and Legacy

After retiring as a player, Zamora went on to coach several Spanish clubs, including Atletico Madrid (winning the Spanish championships in 1950 and 1951), Celta Vigo, Espanyol, and Malaga. He also coached the Spanish national team. Zamora's name is honored with the prize for goalkeepers who concede the fewest goals in the Spanish championship each season. He was included in the list of the greatest football players of the 20th century by World Soccer magazine.