Best RCD Espanyol Players of All Time: A Comprehensive List

RCD Espanyol is a storied football club that has produced some of the greatest players in Spanish football history. From legendary figures to recent standouts, the club has had a rich history of talented players who have left their mark on the sport. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best RCD Espanyol players of all time.

The list of RCD Espanyol’s greatest players includes top goal scorers, influential midfielders, defensive stalwarts, and goalkeeping legends. The club has also had iconic managers who have led them to historic milestones. Fans of the club will recognize many of the names on this list, but some may be surprised by the inclusion of others. From the early days of the club to the present, RCD Espanyol has had a long and successful history, and these players have played a big part in that success.

Key Takeaways

• RCD Espanyol has a rich history of talented players who have left their mark on Spanish football.
• The club’s greatest players include top goal scorers, influential midfielders, defensive stalwarts, and goalkeeping legends.
• Iconic managers have also played a big part in RCD Espanyol’s success over the years.

Legendary Figures

When it comes to RCD Espanyol, there are several players who have etched their names in the club’s history. These legendary figures are celebrated by fans and experts alike for their contributions to the team’s success over the years. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most iconic players to have ever donned the blue and white stripes of RCD Espanyol.

Ricard Zamora

One of the most revered players in RCD Espanyol’s history, Ricard Zamora is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time. Zamora played for the team from 1930 to 1936 and was part of the team that won the La Liga title in 1933. He was known for his incredible reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, which earned him the nickname “The Divine.” Zamora’s legacy at RCD Espanyol is further cemented by the fact that the club’s stadium is named after him.

Raúl Tamudo

Another player who has become synonymous with RCD Espanyol is Raúl Tamudo. The striker played for the team for over a decade, scoring a total of 129 goals in 340 appearances. Tamudo’s most famous moment in an Espanyol shirt came in the 2006 Copa del Rey final, where he scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Real Zaragoza. Tamudo’s goalscoring exploits and unwavering loyalty to the club have made him a fan favorite and a true legend of RCD Espanyol.

Dani Jarque

Dani Jarque was a homegrown talent who came through the ranks at RCD Espanyol. The defender made over 200 appearances for the club and was named captain in 2009. Tragically, Jarque passed away later that year at the age of 26, leaving the entire footballing world in shock. In honor of his memory, RCD Espanyol retired the number 21 shirt, which Jarque had worn throughout his career. Jarque’s legacy at the club goes beyond his performances on the pitch and serves as a reminder of the importance of loyalty, dedication, and passion in football.

These three players are just a few of the many legendary figures who have contributed to RCD Espanyol’s rich history. Their impact on the club will never be forgotten and serves as an inspiration to future generations of players who will wear the blue and white stripes with pride.

Top Goal Scorers

RCD Espanyol has had many great goal scorers throughout its history. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the top goal scorers who have left a mark on the club’s history.

Raúl Tamudo

Raúl Tamudo is one of the most iconic players in RCD Espanyol’s history. The Spanish striker spent 17 seasons with the club and is the all-time top scorer with 129 goals. Tamudo was known for his clinical finishing and his ability to score important goals, including the winner in the 2006 Copa del Rey final against Real Zaragoza. He was also a fan favorite, and his name is still sung by the club’s supporters.

Rafael Marañón

Rafael Marañón is another legendary player who played for RCD Espanyol in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a midfielder who was known for his vision, passing, and ability to score goals. Marañón scored a total of 105 goals in his 12 seasons with the club, making him the second-highest goal scorer in the club’s history. He was also part of the team that won the Copa del Rey in 1968.

Ricard Zamora

Ricard Zamora is a name that is synonymous with Spanish football. He was a goalkeeper who played for RCD Espanyol in the 1920s and 1930s. Zamora was known for his agility, reflexes, and bravery. He was a key player in the team that won the Copa del Rey in 1929 and 1940. Zamora also played for the Spanish national team and is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

These three players are just a few examples of the many great goal scorers who have played for RCD Espanyol over the years. Their contributions to the club’s history will never be forgotten by the fans.

Influential Midfielders

RCD Espanyol has had a rich history of producing some of the finest midfielders in the game. These players have played a crucial role in shaping the team’s identity and playing style. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most influential midfielders in the history of RCD Espanyol.

Iván de la Peña

Iván de la Peña is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders to have ever played for RCD Espanyol. He was known for his exceptional ball control, vision, and passing ability. De la Peña played for Espanyol from 1998 to 2002 and then returned to the club in 2009, where he played until his retirement in 2012. During his time at Espanyol, he played a crucial role in helping the team reach the UEFA Cup final in 2007.

Moisés Arteaga

Moisés Arteaga was a key player for RCD Espanyol in the early 1990s. He played for the team from 1991 to 1997 and was known for his versatility, as he could play in multiple positions in midfield. Arteaga was a hard-working player who had a great sense of positioning and was always willing to make tackles and interceptions. He was an integral part of the team that won the Copa del Rey in 1994.

Sergi Darder

Sergi Darder is a product of the RCD Espanyol youth academy and has established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in Spanish football. He made his debut for Espanyol in 2011 and played for the team until 2015, when he was sold to Málaga. Darder returned to Espanyol in 2018 and has since become a key player for the team. He is known for his excellent passing ability and vision, as well as his work rate and defensive contribution.

These three midfielders have left a lasting impact on RCD Espanyol and have helped shape the team’s identity and playing style. Their contributions to the club will always be remembered by the fans and the football world.

Defensive Stalwarts

When it comes to the best RCD Espanyol players of all time, there have been several defensive stalwarts who have made a lasting impact on the team. These players have shown their dedication and skill on the field, making them some of the most memorable players in the club’s history.

Daniel Jarque

One of the most beloved players in RCD Espanyol history, Daniel Jarque was a standout defender who played for the team from 2002 until his untimely death in 2009. Known for his leadership and passion, Jarque was a key part of the team that won the Copa del Rey in 2006. He was also named team captain in 2008, a testament to his leadership skills and dedication to the club. Tragically, Jarque passed away at the age of 26 due to a heart attack during a preseason training session. His legacy lives on, however, as he remains one of the most beloved players in RCD Espanyol history.

Mauricio Pochettino

Another standout defender for RCD Espanyol, Mauricio Pochettino played for the team from 1994 to 2001. During his time with the club, he was known for his tenacity and skill on the field. Pochettino was a key part of the team that won the Copa del Rey in 2000 and also helped the team reach the UEFA Cup final in 2007, this time as the team’s coach. After retiring as a player, Pochettino went on to have a successful coaching career, including stints with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Enrique Morán

Enrique Morán was a standout defender for RCD Espanyol in the 1950s and 1960s. He played for the team from 1954 to 1966 and was known for his strength and skill on the field. Morán was a key part of the team that won the Copa del Rey in 1957 and also helped the team finish as runners-up in La Liga in 1961. He was also a regular member of the Spanish national team during his time with RCD Espanyol.

Overall, these defensive stalwarts have left a lasting impact on RCD Espanyol and have cemented their place in the club’s history. From Jarque’s leadership and passion to Pochettino’s tenacity and skill to Morán’s strength and success on the field, these players have shown what it takes to be some of the best RCD Espanyol players of all time.

Goalkeeping Legends

When it comes to RCD Espanyol, there have been some exceptional goalkeepers over the years. From Tomas N’Kono to Kiko Casilla and Carlos Kameni, these players have made a significant impact on the team’s success.

Tomas N’Kono

Tomas N’Kono is a Cameroonian goalkeeper who played for RCD Espanyol from 1982 to 1991. He was one of the best goalkeepers of his time and was known for his exceptional reflexes. In fact, he won the Ricardo Zamora Trophy twice during his time at Espanyol. N’Kono was also part of the Cameroon national team that won the African Cup of Nations in 1984 and reached the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup.

Kiko Casilla

Kiko Casilla is a Spanish goalkeeper who played for RCD Espanyol from 2007 to 2015. He was a key player for the team during his time there and helped them reach the final of the UEFA Europa League in 2007-08. Casilla was known for his excellent shot-stopping abilities and was a fan favorite at the club. After leaving Espanyol, he went on to play for Real Madrid and Leeds United.

Carlos Kameni

Carlos Kameni is a Cameroonian goalkeeper who played for RCD Espanyol from 2004 to 2012. He was known for his acrobatic saves and his ability to command his area. Kameni was a key player for Espanyol during his time there and helped the team reach the final of the Copa del Rey in 2006-07. He was also part of the Cameroon national team that won the African Cup of Nations in 2002 and 2004.

Overall, these goalkeepers have made a significant impact on RCD Espanyol’s success over the years. They have all been exceptional players and have helped the team achieve great things.

Iconic Managers

RCD Espanyol has had many great managers throughout its history. Here are three of the most iconic managers to have led the team:

Javier Clemente

Javier Clemente managed RCD Espanyol from 1981 to 1986. During his time as manager, he led the team to win the Copa del Rey in 1984. He was known for his strong personality and his ability to motivate his players. Clemente was also a former player of the team, having played as a goalkeeper from 1969 to 1971.

Ernesto Valverde

Ernesto Valverde managed RCD Espanyol from 2006 to 2008. During his time as manager, he led the team to the UEFA Cup final in 2007, where they lost to Sevilla. Valverde was known for his tactical ability and his calm demeanor. He was able to get the best out of his players and was highly respected by both his players and the fans.

Miguel Ángel Lotina

Miguel Ángel Lotina managed RCD Espanyol from 2008 to 2010. During his time as manager, he led the team to the Copa del Rey final in 2009, where they lost to Barcelona. Lotina was known for his defensive tactics and his ability to organize his team. He was able to get the best out of his players and was highly respected by both his players and the fans.

These three managers are just a few examples of the many great managers who have led RCD Espanyol over the years. They each brought their own unique style and personality to the team and helped to shape the club’s history.

Recent Standouts

Over the years, RCD Espanyol has had some standout players that have helped the team achieve great success both domestically and internationally. In recent years, the team has seen the emergence of several players who have made significant contributions to the team’s performance. Here are a few of the recent standouts who have made a name for themselves at the club.

Gerard Moreno

Gerard Moreno is a Spanish forward who played for RCD Espanyol from 2015 to 2018. During his time at the club, Moreno established himself as one of the team’s most consistent performers. He scored a total of 39 goals in 110 appearances for the club, making him one of the team’s top goal scorers of recent times.

Moreno’s impressive performances at RCD Espanyol earned him a move to Villarreal in 2018. He has continued to impress at his new club, scoring 23 goals in his first season and helping the team to win the Europa League in 2021.

Marc Roca

Marc Roca is a Spanish midfielder who played for RCD Espanyol from 2016 to 2020. During his time at the club, Roca established himself as one of the team’s most talented players. He was known for his excellent passing ability and his ability to control the midfield.

Roca’s impressive performances at RCD Espanyol earned him a move to Bayern Munich in 2020. He has continued to impress at his new club, helping the team to win the Bundesliga and the Champions League in his first season.

David López

David López is a Spanish defender who has been playing for RCD Espanyol since 2016. During his time at the club, López has established himself as one of the team’s most reliable defenders. He has made over 100 appearances for the club and has been a key player in the team’s recent success.

López’s impressive performances have helped RCD Espanyol to establish themselves as one of the top teams in La Liga. He has been a consistent performer for the team and has helped to solidify the team’s defense.

In conclusion, RCD Espanyol has had several standout players in recent years, including Gerard Moreno, Marc Roca, and David López. These players have made significant contributions to the team’s recent success and have helped to establish RCD Espanyol as one of the top teams in La Liga.

Historic Milestones

UEFA Cup Final 2007

RCD Espanyol reached the UEFA Cup Final in 2007, where they faced off against Sevilla. The match took place on May 16, 2007, at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Unfortunately, RCD Espanyol lost the final to Sevilla 3-1 in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

La Liga Achievements

RCD Espanyol has had a few impressive finishes in La Liga over the years. In the 2006-2007 season, the club finished in 5th place, which is their highest finish in the league in recent history. They also finished in 3rd place in the 1986-1987 season and in 4th place in the 2004-2005 season.

Copa del Rey Success

RCD Espanyol has won the Copa del Rey four times in their history, with their most recent victory coming in the 2005-2006 season. The club also won the tournament in 1929, 1940, and 2000. They have finished as runners-up in the competition on three occasions, most recently in the 2015-2016 season.

Overall, RCD Espanyol has a rich history of success in both domestic and international competitions. Despite some ups and downs, the club has remained a consistent presence in Spanish football and has produced some of the best players in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are considered legends in the history of RCD Espanyol?

Throughout the years, RCD Espanyol has had many legendary players who have left their mark on the club’s history. Some of the most notable include Rafael Marañón, who holds the record for the most goals scored by an Espanyol player, and Raúl Tamudo, who is the second-highest scorer in the club’s history and is known for his iconic goals in important matches.

Which players have left a significant mark on Espanyol’s history?

In addition to the aforementioned legends, there have been many other players who have made significant contributions to the club’s success. Some of these players include Dani Jarque, who tragically passed away in 2009 and is remembered as a symbol of Espanyol’s spirit and values, and Mauricio Pochettino, who played for the club for seven years and later went on to coach the team to great success.

Have any players been notably successful with both Espanyol and Barcelona?

While it is rare for players to play for both Espanyol and Barcelona due to the intense rivalry between the two clubs, there have been a few notable exceptions. One such player is Ivan de la Peña, who played for both clubs and is remembered as a talented and creative midfielder.

What are some of the greatest achievements of RCD Espanyol players?

Espanyol players have achieved many great things throughout the club’s history. Some of the most notable achievements include winning the Copa del Rey four times, reaching the UEFA Cup final in 1988 and 2007, and finishing as runners-up in La Liga in the 2006-2007 season.

How many titles has RCD Espanyol won throughout its history?

RCD Espanyol has won a total of four Copa del Rey titles, the last of which was won in 2006. The club has also achieved success in international competitions, reaching the UEFA Cup final twice and the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals twice.

What impact have former Espanyol coaches had on the team’s success?

Former Espanyol coaches have had a significant impact on the team’s success throughout the years. Some of the most successful coaches include Javier Clemente, who led the team to its first Copa del Rey title in 2000, and Mauricio Pochettino, who led the team to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in 2011-2012.