Emilio Butragueño

Emilio Butragueño Santos (born July 22 1963 in Madrid) is a former Spanish football forward. He is most remembered for his role in the Real Madrid team as key part of the Quinta del Buitre ("Vulture's cohort", along with fellow talents Miguel Pardeza, Martin Vàzquez, Manuel Sanchis and Michel).

In 1981, Butragueño joined Real Madrid as a youth and in a very short time was playing for the first team, where he was known under the nickname of El Buitre (The Vulture), a play on his surname. The then trainer of the team, Alfredo Di Stéfano, gave him his début in 1984 against Cádiz and he scored twice.

Butragueño was a key member of teams that won the league six times (1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1995), the Copa del Rey twice (1989 and 1993), the UEFA Cup twice (1985 and 1986) and three Spanish super cups (1988, 1990 and 1993). He won the European Bronze award for best footballer in two consecutive years (1986 and 1987) and was top-scorer in the Spanish league in 1991, gaining him the coveted Pichichi award.

In 1995, Butragueño signed for Atlético Celaya in Mexico and in his first year the team reached the final of the championship (which they lost to Necaxa). After playing there three years, where he was known as the "Gentleman of the Pitch", he finally decided to retire from the game in March 1998.

Butragueño played 69 international matches for the Spanish national team and scored 26 goals. He was part of the team when Spain reached the finals. He participated in the World Cup in Mexico where he played a major part, scoring four goals as Spain beat Denmark 5-1. He also played in Italia '90.

He was perceived as modest and gentle in the field and before the press, in contrast to other more aggressive or rude players. However, Spain was shocked when a photo was published showing him struggling for the ball while his well-sized genitals were accidentally visible.

He was vice-president of Real Madrid.

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