Plácido Álvarez-Buylla facts for kids

Plácido Álvarez-Buylla Lozana (born April 5, 1885 – died August 10, 1938) was a Spanish man who did many things. He was a talented footballer, a diplomat (someone who represents their country), and a politician. In 1936, he even became the Minister of Industry and Commerce for Spain.

Plácido had three brothers: Benito, Vicente, and Adolfo. His brothers Vicente and Adolfo were also footballers, just like him! When he was young, Plácido played football in different parts of Spain, including Asturias, Madrid, and Barcelona. He played for famous clubs like Oviedo FC, Madrid FC, Español de Madrid, and Espanyol. He even played in the finals of the Copa del Rey (a big football tournament) with three of these teams.

Plácido's Football Career

Plácido was born in Asturias, Spain. His father, Adolfo Álvarez-Buylla senior, was a well-known professor and expert in law and education. Plácido started playing football when he was 15 years old, in the year 1900. Back then, football was still quite new in Spain. A friend who had visited England got him interested in the sport.

He played for his hometown club, Oviedo FC. There, he played alongside Rafael Altamira, who later became a famous history professor.

Playing for Madrid FC

In 1906, Plácido moved to Madrid to study law. He joined Real Madrid CF, which was known as Madrid FC at the time. Even though the team had strong players, Plácido's physical strength helped him earn a spot. He played as a midfielder or a defender, mostly as a defender.

However, some players left Madrid FC to form a new team. This led Plácido to join their city rivals, Español de Madrid.

Reaching Copa del Rey Finals

With Español de Madrid, Plácido played in two Copa del Rey finals in a row, in 1909 and 1910. Unfortunately, his team lost both matches. In the 1910 final, his younger brother Vicente Buylla scored two goals, but it wasn't enough to win.

In 1910, Plácido and some teammates moved to RCD Espanyol in Barcelona. They continued their success by reaching another cup final in 1911. Plácido played in this final, but Espanyol lost 3–1 to Athletic Bilbao.

Playing football taught Plácido important skills like discipline. These skills later helped him in his political life.

Plácido's Diplomatic and Political Roles

In 1914, Plácido finished his law degree at the University of Oviedo. He then earned a higher degree (a doctorate) from the University of Madrid.

Becoming a Diplomat

In 1916, he joined the diplomatic service. This meant he worked as a representative for Spain in different countries. In 1924, he received an award from the Vatican, called the Order of St. Gregory the Great. In 1933, he was put in charge of the Spanish protectorate in Morocco, which was a Spanish territory in North Africa.

Serving as a Minister

When the Popular Front political group won the elections in February 1936, Plácido was chosen for an important job. He became the Minister of Industry and Commerce. This meant he was in charge of all the factories, businesses, and trade in Spain. He held this position until September 4, 1936.

After that, he became the consul general for Spain in Gibraltar. A consul general is a top diplomat who helps citizens of their country living abroad. He stayed in Gibraltar until February 1938, when he was sent to Paris. Plácido passed away in Paris in August of that year.

Plácido's Achievements and Awards

Plácido Álvarez-Buylla achieved several important things during his football career.

Club Achievements

Madrid FC

• Centro Championship:
  • Champions (1): 1906–07
• Copa del Rey:
  • Champions (1): 1907

Español de Madrid

• Copa del Rey:
  • Runner-up (2): 1909 and 1910

RCD Espanyol

• Copa del Rey:
  • Runner-up (1): 1911

See also

In Spanish: Plácido Álvarez-Buylla Lozana para niños