MADRID – Spanish football mourns the passing of Enrique Collar, a legend of Atlético de Madrid, at the age of 91.
A Red and White Icon
Enrique Collar, known as “El Galgo”, was a renowned left winger and a reference for Atlético de Madrid in the 60s. His legacy endures as one of the most outstanding footballers in the club’s history.
Collar played 470 official matches with Atlético, a figure that places him among the players with the most appearances in the history of the team, tied with Antoine Griezmann. In addition, he holds the record for being captain for ten seasons, an unprecedented achievement in the club.
International with the Spanish national team on 16 occasions, he participated in the 1962 World Cup in Chile and contributed to the qualification for the 1964 European Championship, a tournament that Spain won.
A Prominent Left-Winger
Born in San Juan de Aznalfarache (Seville) in 1934, Collar was characterized by his speed, skill, and ability to outflank on the left wing. He scored 105 goals with Atlético de Madrid between 1953 and 1969.
He began his career at Imperial and Peña Norit, before entering the lower categories of Atlético in 1949. After loans to Cádiz and Murcia, where he helped with the promotion, he returned to the Madrid club.
He debuted with the first team on September 13, 1953 against Espanyol and played 15 consecutive seasons with the rojiblanca jersey.
Achievements and Historical Moments
With Atlético de Madrid, Enrique Collar won a League (1965-66), three Copas del Generalísimo (1960, 1961 and 1965) and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1962, the club’s first European title. He was part of key moments such as the farewell to the Metropolitano stadium and the inauguration of the Manzanares stadium in 1966.
A Life Dedicated to Atlético
After retiring in 1970, Collar maintained his link with the club. He received the gold and diamond badge of Atlético de Madrid and the silver medal for Sporting Merit. He was a member of the Veterans Association and presided over the Atlético de Madrid Foundation between 2005 and 2011.
Atlético de Madrid and Spanish football bid farewell to one of their most emblematic figures, a player who represented the values of dedication, loyalty, and commitment that defined a golden era in the rojiblanca history.
