Juan Carlos Ablanedo


Juan Carlos Ablanedo Iglesias is a Spanish former footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
Due to his above-average reflexes he was nicknamed El gato, and represented local Sporting de Gijón for almost 20 years as a professional.

Club career

Ablanedo was born in Mieres, Asturias. During his career he played solely for Sporting de Gijón after being a product of the club's famed youth system, Mareo, and received his first-team debut on 2 January 1983, as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 home win against RCD Español after José Aurelio Rivero was sent off.
After two further appearances in the following season, Ablanedo became the Asturian side's undisputed starter, totalling 399 La Liga appearances. In the 1986–87 campaign, as Sporting finished fourth, he appeared in 42 matches.
Ablanedo retired from football after 1998–99, with Sporting now in the second division. He also had some serious injuries during his career, playing in only two games in his last season and none in 1991–92. He was awarded three Ricardo Zamora Trophy awards during his career.

International career

Ablanedo earned four caps for Spain, the first coming on 24 September 1986 in a 3–1 friendly victory over Greece in Gijón. He was a backup in both the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups.
Previously, Ablanedo helped the nation's under-21s conquer the 1986 European Championship.

Personal life

Ablanedo's older brother, José Luis, was also a footballer. A defender, he too played several top level seasons with Sporting, and they were hence known as Ablanedo I and Ablanedo II.

Honours

International

Spain U21