Francisco López (footballer, born 1950)

Francisco Javier López García (born 14 October 1950 in Laredo, Cantabria) is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a midfielder.

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is López and the second or maternal family name is García.
Francisco López
Personal information
Full name Francisco Javier López García
Date of birth (1950-10-14) 14 October 1950
Place of birth Laredo, Spain
Height 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1970–1982 Betis 316 (31)
1982–1983 Mallorca 32 (6)
1983–1984 Granada 30 (2)
International career
1977 Spain 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Football career

During his early career, López played for Gimnástica de Torrelavega (1967–69), Racing de Santander (1969–70) and Real Betis (1970–82). He appeared in nine La Liga seasons with the last club, amassing totals of 266 games and 25 goals.

In 1976–77, López netted twice in 34 matches to help the Andalusians finish fifth whilst winning the Copa del Rey, a penalty shootout win against Athletic Bilbao where he scored both of his team's goals in a 2–2 regulation time draw.[1] Shortly after, on 21 September 1977, he gained his first and only cap for Spain, playing the last six minutes in a 2–1 away friendly win with Switzerland, but would suffer club relegation at the end of the subsequent campaign.[2]

López retired in June 1984 at almost 34, after one season apiece with RCD Mallorca and Granada CF, both in the second division.

References
  1. "2–2: Los andaluces remontaron dos ventajas vascas" [2–2: The Andalusians countered Basques' advantage twice]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 26 June 1977. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  2. "1–0: El Real Betis, a Segunda" [1–0: Real Betis, to Segunda]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 8 May 1978. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
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