Marcelino Martínez


Marcelino Martínez Cao, known simply as Marcelino, is a Spanish former footballer who played as a striker.

Club career

Marcelino was born in Ares, Province of A Coruña, Galicia. In 1959, he signed with Real Zaragoza from local Racing de Ferrol, going on to remain with the former club until his retirement 11 years later.
During his spell with the Aragonese, always spent in La Liga, Marcelino scored 117 goals in all competitions, contributing solidly as they won three major titles, including two Copa del Rey trophies. He was part of an efficient attacking line dubbed Los Magníficos which also featured Canário, Carlos Lapetra, Eleuterio Santos and Juan Manuel Villa.

International career

Marcelino played 14 times for Spain, participating in the 1964 European Nations' Cup and the 1966 FIFA World Cup. In the former tournament, he scored the decisive 2–1 in the final against the Soviet Union, through a header.
At the time of his debut, Marcelino was the first Zaragoza player to ever represent the national team.

Career statistics

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
123 November 1961Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain1–03–21962 World Cup qualification
211 March 1964Sánchez Pizjuán, Seville, Spain4–15–11964 European Nations' Cup qualifying
311 March 1964Sánchez Pizjuán, Seville, Spain5–15–11964 European Nations' Cup qualifying
421 June 1964Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain2–12–11964 European Nations' Cup

Honours

Zaragoza
Spain