Ricardo Zamora

Ricardo Zamora began his career with Espanyol before playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid, becoming Spanish football's first true media superstar. Renowned for his fearless diving, cat-like agility, and the elbow-block save known as the 'zamorana', he dominated Spanish football in the 1920s and 30s.

Zamora captained Spain at the 1934 World Cup in Italy. In the 1936 Copa de Espana final—the last match before the Spanish Civil War—his miraculous last-minute save against Barcelona's Josep Samitier entered football mythology. Spain's annual trophy for the best goalkeeper (Trofeo Zamora) is named in his honor.