What became of… Ceballos

Previously… José María Ceballos Vega (Pámanes, Liérganes, Cantabria, 1968) is a retired Spanish goalkeeper who played for R. Racing C. between 1989 and 2003.

His achievements… He made his first-team debut with Racing in 1989 and eventually became a legendary player at the club from Cantabria. He played for the club from Santander for 14 consecutive seasons, playing a total of 460 matches and winning two promotions to the Liga BBVA and the Liga Adelante.

After hanging up his boots… He said his goodbyes to the Sardinero faithful and to Spanish football at the end of the 2002/03 season. Later, he maintained his ties to the club by working as a goalkeeper coach in their academy.

Did you know… He had such an impact on Racing that, in September 2007, the Government of Cantabria awarded him with an Order of Sporting Merit Gold Medal. The ex-keeper was visibly moved when he collected the accolade and had some memorable words to say: "I am certain that I will not go down in history as Racing's best player, but I will as the club's best-loved player".