Santiago Cañizares is a former Spanish football goalkeeper, best known for his time with Valencia. He played a crucial role in the club’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning two La Liga titles, a UEFA Cup, and reaching two Champions League finals. Before Valencia, he played for Real Madrid and Celta Vigo, but it was at Valencia that he became a club legend. Cañizares also represented Spain in multiple international tournaments, including the 2002 World Cup and three European Championships.
After retiring in 2008, Cañizares transitioned into a career as a football pundit and commentator, regularly appearing on Spanish television. He also briefly worked as a rally driver, competing in Spanish motor racing events. His insights on football, particularly goalkeeping, are widely respected in Spain’s sports media.
In his personal life, Cañizares is known for his passion for motorsports and his devotion to his family. He has been married to his wife, Mayte García, and they have several children. Sadly, in 2018, he and his family suffered a tragic loss when one of his young sons passed away due to illness. Despite the hardship, he remains active in media and continues to share his love for football with fans.