Rafael Moreno Aranzadi facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Rafael Moreno Aranzadi | ||
| Date of birth | 23 May 1892 | ||
| Place of birth | Bilbao, Spain | ||
| Date of death | 1 March 1922 (aged 29) | ||
| Height | 1.54 m (5 ft +1⁄2 in) | ||
| Playing position | Striker (retired) | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1911-1921 | Athletic Bilbao | ||
| National team | |||
| 1920 | Spain | ||
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Rafael Moreno Aranzadi (born May 23, 1892, died March 1, 1922) was a famous Spanish football player. He was known by his nickname, Pichichi. He played as a Striker for Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team. Pichichi was one of the first big stars in Spanish football history.
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Who was Pichichi?
Rafael Moreno Aranzadi was born in Bilbao, Spain. He was a very talented football player. People knew him best by his nickname, Pichichi. This name became so famous that a special award in Spanish football is named after him.
Early Life and His Nickname
Pichichi started playing football at a young age. He was known for his speed and how well he could score goals. The nickname "Pichichi" stuck with him throughout his career. It means "little duck" in Basque, which was a friendly way to describe him.
A Star for Athletic Bilbao
Pichichi spent his entire club career playing for Athletic Bilbao. He played for them from 1911 to 1921. During his time, he helped the team win the Copa del Rey four times. This is Spain's main cup competition. He was a top scorer and a key player for his team. Fans loved watching him play because he was so exciting.
Playing for His Country
Pichichi also played for the Spanish national team. He was part of the team that went to the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium. Spain won a silver medal at these Olympics, which was a great achievement. Pichichi played 5 games for Spain and scored 1 goal during his international career.
His Lasting Legacy
Pichichi died at a young age, but his legacy lives on. The top goal scorer in Spain's top football league, La Liga, receives an award called the "Pichichi Trophy" every year. This award started in 1953. It is a way to remember Rafael Moreno Aranzadi and his amazing goal-scoring ability. A bust of Pichichi stands at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, where Athletic Bilbao plays. It is a tradition for teams visiting the stadium for the first time to place flowers at the bust.
A Sad Goodbye
Sadly, Pichichi died very young, at just 29 years old, on March 1, 1922. He passed away due to an illness. His early death was a great loss for Spanish football. Even though he died young, he is still remembered as one of the sport's first legends in Spain.
Images for kids
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Bust of Pichichi at the San Mamés Stadium
See also
- Pichichi (futbolista) para niños (in Spanish)
