The biography of Hugo Sanchez, the Mexican football legend

The biography of Hugo Sanchez, the Mexican football legend

Steve Njuguna
updated at January 17, 2024 at 9:11 AM
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Hugo Sanchez is a Mexican former professional footballer who played as a forward. Sanchez was one of the best strikers in the 80s, winning a total of five 'Pichichi' trophies that are normally given to players who scored the most goals in a single La Liga season. This article discusses Hugo's exceptional career and everything he achieved.

Hugo Sanchez achievements
Hugo Sanchez during a match in his Real Madrid days. Photo by David Leah/Allsport
Source: Getty Images

Sanchez started his career in his native Mexico with the collegiate side U.N.A.M and had spells in Spain and North America. He spent his peak years in Spain with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, winning multiple individual and team accolades. Upon his retirement from playing, he went into coaching.

Hugo Sanchez's profile summary

Name

Hugo Sánchez Márquez

Date of birth

11 July 1958

Place of birth

Mexico City, Mexico

Nationality

Mexican

Age

65 as of January 2024

Hair color

Black

Height in feet

5ft9

Height in centimetres

174 cm

Profession

Professional footballer, Sports broadcaster

Playing career period

1976-1997

National team appearances

58

National team goals

29

Teams played for

UNAM

San Diego Sockers

Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid

América

Rayo Vallecano

Atlante

Linz

FC Dallas

Atlético Celaya

Coaching Career

U.N.A.M

Mexico men's national team

Almeria

Necaxa

Pachuca

Marital status

Married

Spouse

Isabel Sanchez

Children

Three

Place of residence

Mexico City, Mexico

Social media

Instagram

Net Worth

$15 million

How old is Hugo Sanchez?

Hugo Sanchez (aged 65 as of January 2024) was born on 11th July 1958. Sanchez was born in Mexico's capital, Mexico City. His father, Héctor Sánchez, was also a professional footballer who played for the likes of Atlante and Asturias F.C.

What is Hugo Sanchez's net worth?

Hugo has an estimated net worth of $15 million. This primarily comes from his two decades as a professional footballer. He has also amassed more wealth from his post-playing career, working as a TV football analyst in Mexico. Sanchez has also worked as a FIFA ambassador during several World Cups and has also been featured as a legend in a popular football video game, FIFA 20.

Hugo Sanchez all goals
Hugo Sanchez playing for FC Dallas in December 1996. Photo by Andy Lyons /Allsport
Source: Getty Images

Hugo Sanchez's career stats

Hugo Sanchez scored many goals in his distinguished career. Here is a breakdown of all of his career stats in all the teams he played for:

Team

Time period

Goals

UNAM

1976-1979

97

San Diego Sockers

1979-1980

26

Atletico Madrid

1981-1985

54

Real Madrid

1985-1992

164

América

1992-1993

11

Rayo Vallecano

1993-1994

16

Atlante

1994-1995

13

Linz

1995-1996

7

F.C Dallas

1996

6

Atlético Celaya

1996-1997

2

Mexico senior men's national team

1977-1994

29

Frequently asked questions

Hugo is a Real Madrid legend and one of Mexico's best players of all time. Many football fans want to learn more about his personal life. Here are some frequently asked questions about Hugo Sanchez:

At what age did Hugo Sanchez retire?

Sanchez officially retired in 1997 at the age of 39. He did a symbolic retirement game in 1998 for Real Madrid where he touched the ball as a symbol of bowing out of the game. At the time of his retirement, Hugo Sanchez was La Liga's all-time foreign top scorer with 234 goals. His record has since been broken by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Is Hugo Sanchez married?

Hugo Sanchez has been married twice. With his first wife, Emma Portugal, he had two children, and with his current wife, Isabel Martin, he has another two children. His eldest son, Hugo Sanchez Portugal, followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a professional footballer. In 2014, Hugo Sanchez Portugal passed away in his apartment in Mexico City due to Carbon monoxide poisoning.

How many teams did Hugo Sanchez coach?

After his playing career, Sanchez embarked on coaching by taking over his hometown team, U.N.A.M, in 2000, leading the team to two consecutive championships between 2003 and 2004. He then had a spell in Necaxa before becoming head coach of the Mexican national team in 2006, where he spent two years. He later joined La Liga side Almeria in 2009, assisting the team to avoid relegation from the Spanish top flight.

When did Hugo Sanchez retire?
Hugo Sanchez coached Mexico at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher
Source: Getty Images

What are Hugo Sanchez's biggest achievements?

During his career, Chaves was known for being an expert marksman. In Spain, he won the top scorer award five times, a feat that was unprecedented at the time. With Real Madrid, he won five consecutive La Liga titles from 1985 to 1990 and the UEFA Cup in 1986. With Mexico, he won the CONCACAF Championship in 1977.

What are Hugo Sanchez's nicknames?

Due to his goalscoring prowess, Sanchez earned the names 'Nino De Oro (The Golden Boy' and Pentapichichi ( five times top scorer). Sanchez was well-loved by fans due to his eccentric style of play and stylish haircuts.

Final word

Hugo Sanchez is one of the most prolific strikers in the history of football. The mark he left on football in North America and Spain as a player, coach and ambassador is indelible. Few players can achieve what he did over his career.

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Authors
Steve Njuguna photo
Steve Njuguna
Steve Njuguna is a media professional with close to a decade of experience in the sports media industry. He has previously worked as a sports journalist with Bamba Sports TV, Vybez Radio and The Nairobian newspaper.