Rafael González Martín

Rafael González Martín (28 February 1903 – 28 November 1961) was a Spanish footballer who played as a defender for Espanyol in the late 1920s. After retiring, he became a manager, taking over the likes of Zaragoza and Logroñés in the 1930s.

Early life Born on 28 February 1903 in Las Palmas, González began playing football with his friends in the shady fields of the Fuera de la Portada neighborhood, and they soon developed into organized teams with pompous names which played matches that either lasted hours or were interrupted by the city guards.

Playing career González began his career at his hometown club in 1921, aged 18, from which he joined Marino, where he quickly stood out for his defensive skills, as he was tall, strong, and had a powerful physical and athletic abilities, thus being considered the best player in his position.

González stayed at Espanyol for four years, from 1925 until 1929, playing a total of 28 official matches, and the 1929 Copa del Rey final, helping his side to a 2–1 victory over Real Madrid. However, he was sidelined due to a serious injury suffered at the Montjuïc stadium in June 1929, so he then joined Atlético de Sabadell. In 1933, he took charge of Logroñés, a position he held for two years, until 1935. Following a brief stint at the helm of Vic in 1936, González took over Girona in the 1940–41 season.

Honours Espanyol Catalan championship Champions (1): 1928–29

Copa del Rey: Champions (1): 1929