Iván Helguera facts for kids
Helguera with Real Madrid in 2003
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Iván Helguera Bujía | ||
| Date of birth | 28 March 1975 | ||
| Place of birth | Santander, Spain | ||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Centre-back, defensive midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Racing Santander | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1994–1995 | Racing B | 4 | (0) |
| 1995 | Revilla | ||
| 1995–1996 | Manchego | 13 | (2) |
| 1996–1997 | Albacete | 14 | (2) |
| 1997–1998 | Roma | 8 | (0) |
| 1998–1999 | Espanyol | 37 | (2) |
| 1999–2007 | Real Madrid | 229 | (18) |
| 2007–2008 | Valencia | 25 | (1) |
| Total | 330 | (25) | |
| International career | |||
| 1998–2004 | Spain | 47 | (3) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 2020 | Las Rozas | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Iván Helguera Bujía (born March 28, 1975) is a Spanish former professional footballer. He was known for being a strong player who could play in different positions.
Iván Helguera played as a central defender (a player who defends the goal) or a defensive midfielder (a player who protects the defense). He was good at both defending and helping his team score goals. He played for five different clubs during his career.
His most famous time was with Real Madrid, where he won many important trophies. He also played for Valencia. Early in his career, he had a short time playing in Italy for Roma. In total, he played 291 games and scored 21 goals in Spain's top league, La Liga.
Iván Helguera also played for the Spanish national team almost 50 times. He represented Spain in the 2002 World Cup and two European Championships.
Contents
Iván Helguera's Football Journey
Starting His Career and Joining Real Madrid
Iván Helguera grew up in Santander, a city in Spain. He started playing football at his local club, Racing Club. He then played professionally for smaller teams like Manchego CF and Albacete Balompié.
After playing well, he moved to Italy to play for Serie A team AS Roma for one season. Then, he returned to Spain and joined RCD Espanyol. His great performances as a defender there caught the eye of Real Madrid. He joined Real Madrid in July 1999.
Success with Real Madrid
When Iván Helguera joined Real Madrid, he quickly became a key player. He scored five goals in his second season and six goals in his fourth season in La Liga. Both of these seasons ended with Real Madrid winning the Spanish league championship.
He was also very important in Real Madrid winning the UEFA Champions League twice. In the 2000 final, he played as a defender and helped his team win 3–0 against Valencia CF. Two years later, in the 2002 final, he played as a stopper and helped Real Madrid win 2–1 against Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Towards the end of his time at Real Madrid, he didn't start every game, but he still played in many matches. He helped the club win the Spanish league again in 2007.
Time at Valencia
On July 20, 2007, Iván Helguera signed a three-year contract with Valencia. He was happy to join the club. In his first season with Valencia, he played an important role and helped the team win the Copa del Rey, which is Spain's main cup competition.
After playing less in his second season, his contract with Valencia ended in December 2008. He then decided to retire from football later that year.
Playing for Spain
Iván Helguera played for the Spanish national team 47 times. His first game for Spain was on November 18, 1998, in a friendly match against Italy.
He represented his country in major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2000, the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2004. He was a strong and reliable player for Spain during these years.
Iván Helguera's Family Life
Iván Helguera has a younger brother named Luis, who was also a professional footballer. Luis played as a midfielder for teams like Real Zaragoza and Deportivo Alavés in Spain, and also played in Italy.
Iván Helguera is married to Lorena, and they have a son named Luca, who was born on November 30, 2005.
Trophies and Achievements
Real Madrid
- La Liga: 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07
- Supercopa de España: 2003
- UEFA Champions League: 1999–2000, 2001–02
- Intercontinental Cup: 2002
- UEFA Super Cup: 2002
Valencia
- Copa del Rey: 2007–08
See also
In Spanish: Iván Helguera para niños
