News
LUN 30.03.2015
Previously… Iván Helguera Bujía (Santander, Cantabria, 1975) was a Spanish central defender who began his career at Manchego FC, then a Segunda B side, before joining the ranks of Albacete B., where he spent just one season. He had a brief adventure in Italy with AS Roma, and on his return to Spain turned out for RCD Espanyol, Real Madrid and Valencia CF.
His achievements… Helguera won many trophies as a player, the majority during his time at Madrid. With los blancos, he amassed two UEFA Champions Leagues (1999/00, 2001/02), three Liga BBVA titles (2000/01, 2002/03, 2006/07), two Spanish Super Cups (2001, 2003), one UEFA Super Cup (2002) and one Intercontinental Cup (2002). However, it was at Valencia that he completed his personal medal collection, with the 2008 Copa del Rey.
After hanging up his boots… The defender retired in December 2008 at the age of 33, after his contract with Valencia was cancelled. But despite calling time on his playing days, he remained involved in the world of sport, acting as a coach in the IV Edition of the AFE Sessions, run for players without a club by the Association of Spanish Footballers.
Did you know… Helguera was also a Spain international, making his debut against Italy (2-2) in 1998 and scoring three times for La Roja. He participated in two UEFA European Championships (2000, 2004) and two FIFA World Cups: South Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006.
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