Biography
Who is Santiago Cañizares?
Early career and Real Madrid
Born in Madrid, Santiago Cañizares grew up in Puertollano. He started his football path in 1988 within the Real Madrid youth system, initially playing for the club's C team. He gained professional experience through loans at clubs including Elche, Mérida, and Celta de Vigo. His first La Liga appearance occurred with the Galicians during the 1992–93 season, where he missed only two league games.
He eventually returned to the Real Madrid first team but found it difficult to secure a permanent starting position. He recorded his best output there during the 1997–98 season with 26 matches, though he lost his spot to Bodo Illgner later that year.
Success at Valencia CF
In 1998, Santiago Cañizares moved to Valencia CF to replace the retiring Andoni Zubizarreta. He became a central figure for the club, appearing in 416 official matches over the next decade. He helped the team win the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España in 1999. During his tenure, Valencia reached consecutive UEFA Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001.
He secured national championships with the club in 2002 and 2004. Also, he contributed to the 2004 UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup victories. In December 2007, he faced a temporary exclusion from the squad by manager Ronald Koeman alongside teammates Miguel Ángel Angulo and David Albelda. They were reinstated in April 2008 by new coach Voro. He played his final game for the club against Atlético Madrid in May 2008.
International experience
Santiago Cañizares earned 46 caps for the Spanish national team. He debuted on 17 November 1993 in a World Cup qualifier against Denmark, keeping a clean sheet after Andoni Zubizarreta was sent off. He participated in several major tournaments, including three World Cups and three European Championships.
He was part of the gold-winning squad at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, though he did not play during that tournament. He was scheduled to start in the 2002 World Cup but missed the event due to an injury involving an aftershave bottle that severed a tendon in his foot. His final international appearance occurred in a victory over Saudi Arabia during the 2006 World Cup.
Rally driving and later life
Following his retirement from professional football, Santiago Cañizares transitioned into motor racing. He competed in the Spanish Rally Championship, driving a Suzuki Swift. In the Sierra Morena Rally, he participated alongside co-driver Dani Cué. During a 2016 session at the same event, he crashed his vehicle while attempting to brake for a bend but emerged without injury.
He achieved his first victory on 17 June 2017 at the Rally de la Cerámica while driving a Porsche 997. Later that year, he received the title of Valencian Community champion. Outside of sports, he worked as a television commentator. He has seven children from two marriages, including triplets with his second wife, Mayte García. In 2018, he announced the death of his five-year-old son, Santi.
Birthday and age
Santiago Cañizares was born on December 18, 1969, which makes Santiago 56 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. Santiago shares the date with 33 other famous people.
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