Legends: Jacinto Quincoces

JACINTO QUINCOCES

Jacinto Quincoces

Quincoces born in Barakaldo, 17 June 1905, but his family moving to Vitoria for family reasons. This will mean, eventually, something very important in the career of Jacinto. With thirteen years is called by the first team in the capital Vitoria, Alaves, to play just one match against Osasuna in Pamplona. Jacinto was still forming and Alaves definitely engages the player in the 1925-26 season, seven years after that first test.

At this time, the Vitoria team turns in his career and what were defeats turn into successes. Successes that will benefit his players, in particular, Quincoces.

The year was 1931, when Jacinto Quincoces gets the prize for their worth in sports: a move to Real Madrid. Beside him is his inseparable friend and companion Ciriaco. His sobriety and acrobatic punts made him acquire fame. Zamora, Ciriaco and Quincoces formed a legendary defense, which is still cited as one of the best defenses in the world, model technique and strength.

The first year as a Real Madrid player could not be more fruitful, both for Quincoces to Real Madrid. The white team gets the league championship without losing a game in tough battle with Athletic Bilbao, which was resolved in the last two days. Would not be the only award he would get on their way to Real Madrid. The following year, 1932-33 season, Real Madrid would rise again to the league title, one more award to add to the history of fierce defense. In the Cup of Spain, the Madrid achieved the runner-up.

In the next season would be the reverse. Whites, with Quincoces fully integrated would be second in the league tournament and cup winners. Two more consecutive league runners-up gave way to the first cup final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, 21 July 1936. The Madrid won tournament (2-1), in an intense match at Mestalla and Quincoces emerged as an impregnable bulwark.

The Spanish Civil War brought a hiatus to any sporting activity. The war almost retired Quincoce as player, and although he rejoined the Real Madrid, his career was short-lived.

Jacinto Quincoces think of retirement. He is 34 years and the long hiatus of the war seemed an insurmountable handicap. However, he would prolong his career until 1942. On that date and after a match against Sevilla at Chamartin, Quincoces took the decision to leave football career. On December 8 Real Madrid gives him a deserved tribute.

After his retirement, Quincoces continued connected to the football.He became coach and debuted with Zaragoza. After a couple of seasons in the team, was named national coach in 1945. Then he coached Real Madrid, winning the League 1945-46. Jacinto Quincoces died on May 10, 1997 in Valencia.