Francisco Diz Vázquez

Francisco Diz Vázquez (9 September 1910 – 16 April 1967) was a Spanish footballer who played as a forward for Deportivo de La Coruña and Real Madrid in the 1930s.

Playing career Born on 9 September 1910 in A Coruña,

At the end of the season, the 20-year-old signed for Deportivo de La Coruña, where he formed a renowned left wing alongside Chacho, which played a crucial role in helping Deportivo win two Galician Championships in 1931 and 1933. He and Chacho soon stood out from the rest, thus becoming highly valued players sought after by the big clubs, including FC Barcelona, so in July 1934, they travelled to the Catalan capital to play some test matches, including two friendlies against the Brazilian national team and Real Unión, helping his side to a 4–4 draw and a 4–2 win respectively.

In 1934, Diz signed for Real Madrid, where he played for two years, scoring a total of 2 goals in 12 official matches, By the time Barça attempted to sign him, Diz was earning 1,000 pesetas a month at Madrid. During the match, however, he sustained a serious injury when a boot cleats from an opposing player drove into his shin, but despite undergoing surgery in Santiago de Compostela, the injury worsened, which forced him to retire.

Later life and death After his retirement, Diz lived in poverty, being only able to afford his hospital stays thanks to donations from football fans and charity matches.

On 16 April 1967, the 56-year-old Diz was watching a football match between Córdoba and Hércules on television in the hospital in Santiago de Compostela, where he had been admitted for cancer in his leg, when he died of a heart attack.

Honours Deportivo de La Coruña Galician Championships: Champions (3): 1931, 1933, and 1937

Real Madrid Madrid Championships Champions (2): 1934–35 and 1935–36

Copa del Rey: Champions (1): 1936