Real Sporting de Gijón is a historic club in Spanish football, and countless figures have passed through it, becoming icons for several generations. In this list of " The 10 Best Players in the History of Real Sporting de Gijón ," we'll review some of the names who have left their mark at "El Molinón" and whose memories for "La Mareona" are unforgettable. This ranking was primarily based on the significance of these players, as well as their skill, quality, and extensive careers with the red-and-white team.
10. David Villa
This Top 10 is opened by "El Guaje" Villa, arguably the greatest talent raised through Sporting's youth system. Born in Tuilla, Villa made his first-team debut in the 2000/2001 season and scored a total of 41 goals over the following two seasons, attracting the attention of major first-division clubs like Real Zaragoza, where he also made his mark in his younger years.
An iconic striker, not only in our football but also in the history of the sport. He's the all-time leading scorer for the Spanish national team, a World Cup winner in 2010, and although his time in Gijón was brief, he's a source of pride for the fans.
9. Abelard
"El Pitu" Abelardo, a Gijón native, was the lord and master of the Sporting forward line for five seasons. His level of play was such that Barcelona decided to pay his buyout clause to secure the center-back's services. Abelardo also played for the Spanish national team throughout his career until he decided to hang up his boots at Alavés.
His time at Real Sporting was over, but as a coach he occupied the red-and-white bench for several seasons, making him undeniably a much-loved and valued figure in the city.
8. Maceda
Antonio Maceda was an imposing center back who was key to Real Sporting's golden age, achieving a runner-up finish in the 1978/1979 season. He also enjoyed some magical European nights with the Asturian side and earned a cap for the Spanish national team. He played a total of nine seasons at "El Molinón," making over 200 appearances for the red and white team.
7. Eloy Olaya
Gijón-born forward Eloy trained at Mareo and made his first-team debut at just 15 years old in the 1978/1979 season, in a Copa del Rey match against CD Turón, where he scored his first goal. He later moved to Valencia in 1988 and a few years later returned to his childhood club to play two seasons in the First Division.
6. Juan Carlos Ablanedo
Known as "El Gatu," Ablanedo is a "One Club Man" for the Asturian team, a true standard-bearer and a sure bet between the sticks. Born in Mieres, Asturias, he defended Real Sporting's goal for a total of 17 seasons. His confidence and reflexes allowed him to win three Zamora trophies, a truly difficult feat for a player from a team that wasn't among the favorites for the league title.
He joined Mareo's school at the age of ten, and his loyalty has positioned him as one of the club's most respected icons. He was capped for the Spanish national team and played in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.
5. Manolo Mesa
Cadiz-born midfielder Manolo Mesa wore the Real Sporting jersey for 12 seasons, is the fifth-most capped player in the club's history, and played a key role in the club's famous runners-up finish in the league. He also played in two consecutive Copa del Rey finals, in 1981 and 1982.
4. Enzo Ferrero
Enzo Ferrero, born in Argentina, was a left winger considered by many Sporting fans to be the best foreign player in the club's history. He was instrumental in Real Sporting's golden age and left the El Molinón pitch on numerous occasions after completing memorable performances.
3. Cundi
Secundino Suárez, known as Cundi, is one of the greatest legends of the red-and-white team. The Asturian was a tireless full-back who spent virtually his entire career at Real Sporting de Gijón, specifically 15 seasons.
With more than 300 official matches under his belt, his trademark physical prowess and powerful personality have made him a true symbol of Sporting fans.
2. Joaquín Alonso
Born in Oviedo, Joaquín is the player with the most appearances in the club's history. He played for the red-and-white team for 16 seasons, an entire career dedicated to the team of his life. Joaquín was a complete midfielder, the driving force of the team, with sacrifice, dedication, and character, which earned him the captain's armband of Real Sporting de Gijón.
He's an emblem of the city and, like the rest of the players on this list, he played for his national team. He played for Spain in the 1982 World Cup, which was held in our country with "El Molinón" as one of the venues.
1. Quini
Enrique Castro Quini, known as "El Brujo," is the club's ultimate legend, and there's no doubt about it in any corner of Gijón. A synonym for goals, the striker wore the red and white jersey for 15 seasons. Fans were able to enjoy his football for three decades, coinciding with Real Sporting's golden age. He is the club's all-time top scorer in the First Division and has won the top scorer award seven times, a record surpassed only by Telmo Zarra and Leo Messi.
Quini also triumphed at Barcelona, where he played alongside Diego Armando Maradona, but the Asturian returned to Gijón a few years later, demonstrating his commitment and passion for the club. His goals and connection with the fans made him a true legend whose legacy is indelible. His death in 2018 left a huge void not only in "El Molinón" and the city of Gijón, but also in Spanish football.
Ultimately, he didn't make it into this top 10, but I must make a special mention of Luis Enrique, who despite only having played two seasons with the first team, has been one of the greatest exponents raised in the youth academy and has completed a brilliant career as a player and also as a coach.
This is the top 10 of the best players in the history of Real Sporting. They all share one characteristic: they have left their mark on a historic club, and their impact has allowed them to become icons for several generations.
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