Simón Lecue

Club career

Born in Arrigorriaga, Biscay, Lecue played his first two La Liga seasons with Deportivo Alavés, also in the Basque Country. He made his professional debuts at the age of 18, after being signed from CD Basconia.

In 1932, Lecue joined Real Betis, contributing with ten goals in 21 games as the Andalusians won their first and only top division championship in 1934–35, under the guidance of Irish manager Patrick O'Connell. After that final third campaign, he left the club.

Subsequently, Lecue moved to Real Madrid, where he continued to feature regularly, scoring a career-best 12 goals in his second year – the competition was not held from 1936 to 1939 due to the Spanish Civil War – with the team finally coming empty in silverware. After four seasons at Valencia CF, where he won his second league, in 1944, he finished his career in 1948 at the age of 36, after brief spells with amateurs Chamberí and Real Zaragoza; in 13 top division campaigns, he amassed totals of 250 matches and 59 goals.

Lecue died in Madrid at the age of 72, after suffering a stroke whilst in his home.

International career

Lecue earned seven caps for Spain during two years, scoring once. He was picked for the squad that appeared in the 1934 FIFA World Cup, with the national side exiting in the quarter-finals after losing against eventual champions (and hosts) Italy.

Lecue's debut was on 27 May 1934 precisely in that tournament, in a 3–1 first round win against Brazil in Genoa.

Honours