Santiago Cañizares

Who is Santiago Cañizares?

José Santiago Cañizares Ruiz is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

After playing with Real Madrid, mostly as a backup, he finished his career at Valencia, where he appeared in 416 official games during one full decade.

In his prime he was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Prior to Euro 2004 – he represented the Spanish national team in three World Cups and as many European Championships – legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said that he regarded Cañizares as the finest goalkeeper in world football.