far away: The legend of retro football marked by Barcelona

Last update 7 March, 2025 by Alberto Llopis

Francisco Javier González Urruticoechea, known as far away, It wasn't just a goalkeeper; It was an icon of retro football Spanish who left a mark on FC Barcelona and in the memory of fans.

Born in San Sebastián in 1952, This Basque goalkeeper shone in the 80 With your reflexes, Charisma and decisive stops, Like the one who gave the League to Barça in 1985. Although his life was tragically truncated in 2001, His legacy is still alive in 2025, resonating among lovers Spanish soccer of the 80s. Ready to know your story?

The beginnings: Real Sociedad and the shadow of Arconada

Urruti began his career at the SD Legokoak before joining the Royal Society in 1969. Debuted with the first team in 1973 After passing through the subsidiary (opportunities), but shared costumes with Luis Arconada, Another Basque myth. For four seasons (1973-1977), disputed 24 Matches in LaLiga, competing with Arconada and Pedro Artola in a goal full of talent.

The step back to shine

When Arconada was consolidated as a starter, Urruticoechea decided to go out in 1977, looking for a place to be the protagonist. His stage in Real was a warming for what would come after.

The jump to Barcelona: Spanish and the Great Barça

RCD Spanish: The takeoff

In 1977, Urruti signed for the Spanish RCD, where he played 108 parties and became idol. His best moment came in 1981, When he won the Don Ball Award as best Spanish player, Showing its class under sticks.

FC Barcelona: The myth is born

In 1981, FC Barcelona paid more than 100 millions of pesetas for him, A record transfer. From then on 1988, Urruti defended the Blaugrana goal in 120 LaLiga matches, winning:

• 1 Liga (1984-85): Its penalty stopped to Valladolid, With the cry “¡, I love you!”, He assured the title.
• 2 King's Cups, 1 Supercopa, 2 League glasses, 1 Cup Winners Cup (1982).
• Zamora Trophy (1983-84): 26 goals in 33 parties.

But there were also shadows: In the European Cup final 1986, He stopped two penalties to Steaua Bucharest, But Barça lost 2-0 In the batch. The arrival of Zubizarreta in 1986 relegated it to the bench, and he retired in 1988.

Spanish team: Three World Cups, zero minutes

Far away, was international in 5 matches between 1978 y 1980, and was summoned to three World Cups (Argentina 78, Spain 82, Mexico 86). However, He never played, eclipsed by Arconada. His presence in those appointments speaks of his level, Although fate did not give minutes.

The tragic end: 24 May 2001

He 23 May 2001, Urruti participated in a golf tournament in Sitges. At three in the morning, He took his car to return home, and in the Dalt round, near Barcelona, suffered a fatal accident when hitting a median. To the 49 years, Spanish football lost a great.

Why Urruti remains an icon?

A 24 years of his death, The remembered goalkeeper, It is still a symbol of retro football. Your spectacular style, His humility and his passage through Barça make him an eternal legend of Spanish soccer of the 80s. Urruticoechea represents an era of instinct and charisma.