Rafael Moreno Aranzadi

Rafael Moreno Aranzadi called Pichichi, basque Pitxitxi (* May 23, 1892 in Bilbao, † March 1, 1922 ibid ) was a Spanish football player ( striker ). He played for Athletic Bilbao and was one of the first great scorer of the Spanish football history.

Pichichi began his football career in 1911 at Athletic Bilbao and quickly developed into one of Spain's best striker. On the pitch, he was easily recognized by its white head covering.

Until 1928 there was no national league football in Spain, so that the best teams, especially in the cup competition, Copa del Rey extent. With Athletic Bilbao won this trophy Pichichi four times, including three times in a row from 1914 to 1916 and 1921. A total of 17 Cup games with his participation he scored ten goals. Pichichi was also the first player, San Mames scored a goal in the new stadium of Athletic Bilbao. It was 1-0 in the opening match against Racing de Irun on August 21, 1913 (final score: 1-1).

Pichichi played five internationals for the Spanish national team, all at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp. He made his debut in a 1-0 victory against Denmark on August 28, 1920, his last game was the match for third place 2, Spain won 3-1 against the Netherlands, among others, with a goal by Pichichi on September 5. Spain won the silver medal with it.

1921 ended Pichichi his career. A year later, on March 1, 1922, he died at the age of only 29 years of typhus. 1926 Athletic Bilbao constructed a bust in the San Mames Pichichis Stadium. It developed the custom that teams that are the first -time guest at the stadium lay a bouquet of flowers on this bust.

1953 created the sports magazine Marca an award for the top scorer in La Liga, which was named Pichichi Trophy in honor and in memory of Rafael Moreno Aranzadi.

In the Spanish language use, el pichichi generally developed the concept for top scorer. In the future, appearing 23rd edition of the Diccionario de la lengua española, the term will be included for the first time.