Hugo Sánchez is the legendary striker of Mexican football, who impressed with his skills and the ability to create amazing goals. Hugo Sánchez was born in Mexico City, Mexico, in 1958; the footballer managed to have a successful career at home and in Spain, and now he is involved in managerial activity. The athlete is currently aged 68.
Early career and the first successful step to international football
Firstly, Sánchez started his career at Pumas UNAM club in Mexico City, where he honed his game and eventually became a great forward. At the time when Sánchez made his debut in 1976, he was already known for the excellent ability to move around the box, his good skills in dealing with aerial balls, and the ability to react well in difficult situations under pressure. Therefore, it became quite obvious that Sánchez was going to become one of the brightest Mexican talents. Moreover, those qualities also were able to help him to attract attention to himself and start his career in Spanish football – the place which in that time could boast of only a few prominent Mexican footballers.
Transfer to Atlético de Madrid club and adaptation to higher level of competition
The decisive step, which made Sánchez closer to being one of the brightest players of the 1980s, was his transfer to Atlético de Madrid in 1981, and he showed his ability to score goals in another and higher league than he was familiar with before. Those three years in Spain proved his abilities in playing against the elite defensive lines and goalkeepers in every weekend game.
Real Madrid era
Probably, the most successful stage of Sánchez' club career occurred in Real Madrid, to which he had been transferred in 1985. At Real Madrid Sánchez became the main member of the prolific offensive line-up, where he used his skills in clean finishes, the ability to react fast when there is chaos inside the box and particular style of celebrating his goals. Furthermore, he became associated with his bicycle kick – a wonderful skill, which fitted perfectly with his athleticism.
Playing with Real Madrid, Hugo Sanchez helped the club to win some trophies. Also, thanks to him and his goals, the Spanish footballer became the highest scorer in La Liga more than once. Finally, he became the key player helping Real to win UEFA Cup in 1986. Those years in Spain are considered the height of the player's career.
National career
As a part of national squad of Mexico, Sánchez participated in two editions of FIFA World Cups in 1978 and 1986; such experience became very valuable for Mexican national team. Moreover, Sánchez can be seen as an emblem of that period of Mexican football, when they desired to be taken seriously at the international arena.
Coaching activity
In his retirement era, Sánchez continued being a part of football in different aspects, and became the coach. Probably, the most impressive achievement was helping Pumas to win two consecutive leagues in 2004.
Summary
Hugo Sanchez was the bright forward, whose combination of attacking skills and goals made him the idol for millions of people and increased significantly the popularity of the Mexican football. Hugo Sánchez' biography is one of the examples of player-coach, who successfully started their football career from one club and ended it at the same club again.