Antonio de la Cruz is a former Spanish professional football player and manager known for his defensive skills.
He played for FC Barcelona from 1972 to 1979, making a significant impact during his tenure.
De la Cruz began his senior career with Real Valladolid, where he faced relegation before moving to La Liga.
Biography
Early Life
Jesús Antonio de la Cruz Gallego, known as Antonio de la Cruz, was born in León, Spain. He began his football journey in the Segunda División with Real Valladolid, where he faced the challenge of relegation at the end of the 1969-70 season. However, his talent quickly propelled him into La Liga, where he joined Granada CF, making his debut in the top tier on September 13, 1970.
Career
De la Cruz's career took a significant turn in 1972 when he signed with FC Barcelona for six million pesetas. During his time at the Camp Nou, he became a key defender, playing in 247 official matches and scoring his first goal on January 7, 1973, against Real Zaragoza. His tenure at Barcelona was marked by notable achievements, including winning La Liga in the 1973-74 season, the Copa del Rey in 1977-78, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1978-79. He also represented the Spain national team, earning six caps and participating in the 1978 FIFA World Cup.
After retiring from professional play, de la Cruz transitioned into coaching, including a brief stint as interim manager of Barcelona in 2003, where he oversaw one league match. His coaching career also included two spells with Sabadell, where he faced the challenge of relegation in the 1987-88 season.
Legacy
Antonio de la Cruz is remembered not only for his contributions on the field as a defender but also for his leadership roles off the pitch. His journey from a young player in León to a celebrated figure at Barcelona and a national team member showcases his dedication to the sport and his impact on Spanish football.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Born in León, de la Cruz started his senior career with Real Valladolid in the Segunda División. Even though he suffered relegation at the end of the 1969–70 season, he moved straight into La Liga with Granada, making his debut in the competition on 13 September 1970 in a 1–1 away draw against Elche. In early March 1972, de la Cruz signed with fellow top-division club Barcelona for six million pesetas, pending a medical that almost went wrong and with the deal being made effective in July. He went on to feature in 247 official matches during his tenure at the Camp Nou, scoring his first goal on 7 January 1973 in a 2–0 win at Real Zaragoza. On 16 May 1979, the 32-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in the final of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in Basel, the 4–3 extra time defeat of Fortuna Düsseldorf. De la Cruz worked as a coach after retiring. This included two brief spells with Sabadell, also in Catalonia (which included top-flight relegation in the 1987–88 campaign). In January 2003, following the dismissal of Louis van Gaal and prior to the appointment of Radomir Antić, de la Cruz was named interim manager at Barcelona. He was in charge of the squad for one league match, the 3–0 away loss to Atlético Madrid.
De la Cruz earned six caps for Spain in as many years. His debut arrived on 12 April 1972, in a 0–0 friendly draw in Greece. Selected by coach László Kubala for the 1978 FIFA World Cup, de la Cruz took part in the 2–1 group stage defeat against Austria, as the tournament in Argentina ended after three games.
- Club
- FC Barcelona (1972–1979)
- Club
- Real Valladolid (1968–1970)
- Club
- Granada CF (1970–1972)
- Club
- Spain national under-23 football team (1971–1971)
- Club
- Spain men's national football team (1972–1978)
- National team
- Spain
Legacy
Barcelona
La Liga: 1973–74 Copa del Rey: 1977–78 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1978–79
Clubs
Played together with
Abde EzzalzouliFC Barcelona · 2021–2023
Abdoulaye DoucouréGranada CF · 2016
Abel Gómez MorenoGranada CF · 2010–2012
Abel ResinoSpain men's national football team · 1991–1991
Abel RuizFC Barcelona
Abelardo FernándezFC Barcelona · 1994–2002- Abelardo FernándezSpain men's national football team · 1991–2001
- Abelardo FernándezSpain national under-23 football team · 1991–1992
- Abraham González CasanovaFC Barcelona · 2008–2009
- Abraham González CasanovaFC Barcelona · 2009–2009
Adalberto PeñarandaGranada CF · 2015–2016
Adama TraoréFC Barcelona · 2004–2013
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Jesús Antonio de la Cruz Gallego is a Spanish former professional football defender and manager.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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