Antonio Maceda

Antonio Maceda Francés (born 16 May 1957 in Sagunto) is a Spanish former footballer.

During his career, he played for Sporting de Gijón (1974-85) and Real Madrid (1985-88). He earned 36 caps and scored 8 goals for the Spain national football team, and played in three major tournaments: the 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 1984 UEFA European Football Championship, and the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

Though a sweeper by trade, Maceda was known for his timely and predatorial goal-scoring. In Euro 84, Maceda headed the winning goal in the 89th minute against a then-invincible West Germany side, who were defending European champions, sending Spain to the semifinals against an up-and-coming Denmark side. His goal-poaching went on against the Danes with a finely struck goal in the semifinal match that ended in a 1-1 draw. Following a penalthy shoot-out, Spain moved onto the final at Parc des Princes against the hosts, France. However, Maceda had been shown his second yellow in the semis and missed out the big final that the Gauls won by 2-0.

His career came to a controversial end after the 1986 FIFA World Cup in which he suffered a freak injury that halted his days as a professional footballer.