Rafael González Martín (28 February 1903 – 28 November 1961) was a Spanish footballer who played as a defender for Espanyol in the late 1920s. After retiring, he became a manager, taking over the likes of Zaragoza and Logroñés in the 1930s.
Early life Born on 28 February 1903 in Las Palmas, González began playing football with his friends in the shady fields of the Fuera de la Portada neighborhood, and they soon developed into organized teams with pompous names which played matches that either lasted hours or were interrupted by the city guards.
Playing career González began his career at his hometown club in 1921, aged 18, from which he joined Marino, where he quickly stood out for his defensive skills, as he was tall, strong, and had a powerful physical and athletic abilities, thus being considered the best player in his position. On 30 July 1925, he sailed for Catalonia, accompanied by Paco Bru, the coach of Espanyol, which signed González in August, as well as fellow Canarians José Padrón and Rafael Oramas just a few months later.
González stayed at Espanyol for four years, from 1925 until 1929, playing a total of 28 official matches, including 12 La Liga matches in its inaugural edition in 1929, and the 1929 Copa del Rey final, helping his side to a 2–1 victory over Real Madrid. However, he was sidelined due to a serious injury suffered at the Montjuïc stadium in June 1929, so he then joined Atlético de Sabadell.
Managerial career After retiring, González became a coach, taking over Zaragoza CD during the 1931–32 season, where he was also a substitute player. In 1933, he took charge of Logroñés, a position he held for two years, until 1935. Following a brief stint at the helm of Vic in 1936, González took over Girona in the 1940–41 season.
Death After leaving the world of football, González settled in Barcelona, where he married and where he died on 28 November 1961, at the age of 58.
Honours Espanyol Catalan championship Champions (1): 1928–29
Copa del Rey: Champions (1): 1929
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