Agustín Gaínza

This name uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Gaínza and the second or maternal family name is Vicandi.

Agustín Gaínza Vicandi (28 May 1922 – 6 January 1995) was a Spanish football forward and manager.

Club career

Nicknamed Piru, Gaínza's entire career was spent with Athletic Bilbao. Born in Basauri, Biscay, he made his La Liga debut on 13 October 1940 in a 0–1 away loss against Hércules CF, then proceeded to play a total of 19 seasons in the competition with the club, amassing totals of 381 games and 120 goals.

During his spell with the Lions Gaínza won ten major titles, including two national championships and seven Copa del Generalísimo trophies, appearing in a record nine finals in the latter tournament.[1] He retired at the end of the 1958–59 campaign at the age of 37, having appeared in nearly 500 official matches.

Gaínza coached Athletic during four seasons in the 60s. He was sacked just six games into 1968–69, being replaced by former club teammate Rafael Iriondo who led the side to the domestic cup conquest. He died on 6 January 1995 in his hometown, at 72.

International career

Gaínza won 33 caps for Spain, scoring ten goals. He made his debut on 11 March 1945 in a friendly against Portugal and, as with his club, was team captain in the 1950 FIFA World Cup as the country finished in fourth position.[2]

Personal life

Gaínza's older brother, Miguel (1920–86), was also a footballer. A defender, he too played for Athletic Bilbao,[3] and also for Barakaldo CF.

Honours

Player

Manager

See also

References

  1. ↑ Athletic Club records; Athletic's official website
  2. ↑ The high before Brazil’s biggest low; FIFA.com, 29 June 2013
  3. ↑ Miguel Gaínza; at BDFutbol

External links

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