ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Quique Setién: A Legendary Footballer and Coach from Spain

Enrique "Quique" Setién Solar was born on September 27, 1958, in Santander, a city located in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. Growing up in this beautiful coastal town had a profound impact on his life, shaping him into one of the most accomplished footballers and coaches Spain has ever produced.

Setién's journey began at a young age when he started playing football in a square in his neighborhood. He initially competed for a junior team of Casablanca at a children's championship of El Sardinero before joining the training club CA Perines, also based in Santander. At 14, Setién made the move to Racing Santander, where he would eventually make his debut in the Primera División, Spain's highest football league.

Setién's breakthrough came in March 1978 when he became a regular player for Racing Santander under coach Nando Yosu. By the end of the 1977/78 season, Setién had made 21 league appearances and scored two goals, helping his team occupy the 13th place out of 18 teams in the final classification. The following year, Setién's performances earned him a spot in the Copa del Rey third round against Real Madrid.

However, despite his impressive form, Racing Santander struggled to maintain its position in the league. In the 1978/79 season, the team was relegated to Spain's second division after finishing last with Celta Vigo and Recreativo Huelva. This setback marked a turning point for Setién, who would go on to have an illustrious career as both a player and coach.

Setién's playing career spanned over two decades, during which he played for several clubs, including Levante and Polideportivo Ejido. He was known for his exceptional skills as a central midfielder and his ability to read the game. Setién's dedication to football earned him recognition from fans and coaches alike, with Racing Santander fans voting him their best player of all time in 2001.

After retiring as a player, Setién transitioned into coaching, starting with Lugo in 2009. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, finishing sixth in the league and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League group stage. Setién's leadership style and tactical acumen earned him widespread acclaim, and he became one of the most