Pedro León
Encyclopedia
Pedro León Sánchez Gil (ˈpeðɾo leˈon ˈsantʃeθ; born 24 November 1986), known as León, is a Spanish
footballer who plays for Getafe CF
on loan from Real Madrid
, as a right winger.
, Region of Murcia
, León began his career playing for local Muleño CF
and Nueva Vanguardia's youth teams, eventually moving in early 2004 to Real Murcia
to finish his formation.
After a spell with the B team, he made his first team debut on January 15, 2005, in a Segunda División
1–5 loss at UE Lleida
, going on to play a further six matches during the season, netting in a 3–1 win at local rivals Ciudad de Murcia
.
The following two seasons, León became an integral player for Murcia, scoring seven goals in 2006–07, several from free kick
s, as the side returned to La Liga
after a three-year absence.
In January 2007, he was rumoured to be moving to Real Madrid
or Chelsea
, being speculated that the latter would buy him for £
3.4 million. Despite this rumours, he instead moved to modest Levante UD
in the summer of 2007 for £2.5 million after rejecting an offer from to renew his contract for €
1 million, in a move the club found quite offensive.
During 2007–08, León often underachieved, starting only 11 times from 24, as Levante returned to the second level. He also ended up training alone due to conflicts with teammates.
bought León for €300,000 after a quick negotiation. Soon becoming a first-choice, he provided his first assist
for Fabián Canobbio on November 15, in a 1–0 home win against Real Madrid, netting his first for the club a week later, in Valladolid's 3–0 away success over Villarreal CF
.
, with the player appearing very rarely for Valladolid in pre-season, a five-year contract worth around €4 million was finally arranged in August 2009. During the season
, León scored nine goals in official matches (eight in the league, with nine assists
), as the Madrid
side finished sixth and qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the second time in its history.
, playing the full match in a 3–2 win; in his second appearance, four days later, he scored against the Los Angeles Galaxy
, as the match ended with the same score, favorable to the Merengues.
On 3 November 2010, León scored his first official goal for Real Madrid, combining with Karim Benzema
- both players had come from the bench during the second half - for a last-minute goal
at A.C. Milan
for the season's UEFA Champions League
group stage, a 2–2 draw that sent the Spaniards through to the knockout stage.
During the course of 2010–11
, however, León appeared rarely for Real Madrid: after assuming he would start against AJ Auxerre
in the Champions League in late September, he was immediately dropped from the list of 18 by coach José Mourinho
. Later, he was ridiculed in the press by his own manager when the latter justified his absence. In early February 2011, both he and teammate Fernando Gago were dropped from the squad that would face Sevilla FC
in the season
's Copa del Rey
, for fighting in training; the Argentine was however picked for the next match, whereas the winger was not.
Additionally, León was also not allowed to leave on loan in the winter transfer window
, after renewed interest from Chelsea. In March 2011, after the market had closed, Hércules CF
tried to acquire the player in the same predicament, following Tote's severe knee
injury, but Real Madrid refused again.
In the very last days of the 2011 summer transfer window, León returned to former club Getafe, in a season
-long loan. On 1 October he scored his first goal in his second spell, with a spectacular long-range strike at Málaga CF
, in an eventual 2–3 loss.
on 31 January 2007. On 6 February, Iñaki Sáez
played him again in a friendly against England
, in which he was replaced by Juan Mata
in a 2–2 away draw. He also featured in the 2009 Under-21 Euro qualifier
against Georgia
, replacing Alejandro Alfaro
in a 1–0 away win.
Picked in the 23-man squad for the final stages
in Sweden
, León scored in the final game against Finland
, but the national team did not progress from the group stage.
, is a road bicycle racer
. His other brother, Antonio, also plays football, but the indoor
variety.
León is not his surname, but he carries it as a second name
in memory of his grandfather and eldest brother, both died in 2006 (the latter in a motorbike accident), and tends to just go by the name León rather than León Sánchez (as his two brothers), also celebrating his goals by pointing to the sky.
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
footballer who plays for Getafe CF
Getafe CF
Getafe Club de Fútbol is a Spanish La Liga football club based in Getafe, a city in the Madrid metropolitan area, founded in 1946 and refounded in 1983.In the top level since 2004-05, it holds home games at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez....
on loan from Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, as a right winger.
Murcia
Born in MulaMula, Spain
Mula is a municipality in the center of the autonomous community of Region of Murcia in southeastern Spain, with nearly 17,076 inhabitants . It is best-known for the tamboradas held during the Holy Week...
, Region of Murcia
Region of Murcia
The Region of Murcia is an autonomous community of Spain located in the southeast of the country, between Andalusia and Valencian Community, on the Mediterranean coast....
, León began his career playing for local Muleño CF
Muleño CF
Muleño Club de Fútbol is a football team based in Mula, Murcia. Founded in 1989, the team plays in Preferente Autonómica.The club's home ground is Estadio Municipal.- Season to season:----*11 seasons in Tercera División-External links:*...
and Nueva Vanguardia's youth teams, eventually moving in early 2004 to Real Murcia
Real Murcia
Real Murcia Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in the region of Murcia. Founded in 1908, it currently plays in the second division, playing home matches at Estadio Nueva Condomina, which can hold 33,045 spectators....
to finish his formation.
After a spell with the B team, he made his first team debut on January 15, 2005, in a Segunda División
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
1–5 loss at UE Lleida
UE Lleida
Club Lleida Esportiu is a Spanish football team based in Lleida, Catalonia. Founded in 2011, it plays in Segunda División B, holding home games at Camp d'Esports, with a capacity of 13,500 seats.-History:...
, going on to play a further six matches during the season, netting in a 3–1 win at local rivals Ciudad de Murcia
Ciudad de Murcia
Club de Fútbol Atlético Ciudad was a Spanish football club based in Murcia, in the autonomous community of Murcia. Founded in 2007, it played its last season in Segunda División B , holding home matches at Estadio Juan de la Cierva, with a 1,600-seat capacity.-History:On June 6, 2007, Ciudad de...
.
The following two seasons, León became an integral player for Murcia, scoring seven goals in 2006–07, several from free kick
Direct free kick
A direct free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football following a foul. Unlike an indirect free kick, a goal may be scored directly against the opposing side without the ball having first touched another player.-Award:...
s, as the side returned to La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
after a three-year absence.
In January 2007, he was rumoured to be moving to Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
or Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
, being speculated that the latter would buy him for £
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
3.4 million. Despite this rumours, he instead moved to modest Levante UD
Levante UD
Levante Unión Deportiva, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, in the namesake community.Founded in 1909, it plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadi Ciutat de València.-Early years:...
in the summer of 2007 for £2.5 million after rejecting an offer from to renew his contract for €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
1 million, in a move the club found quite offensive.
During 2007–08, León often underachieved, starting only 11 times from 24, as Levante returned to the second level. He also ended up training alone due to conflicts with teammates.
Valladolid
On 13 September 2008, Real ValladolidReal Valladolid
Real Valladolid Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Valladolid, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, from where the nickname Pucela is derived....
bought León for €300,000 after a quick negotiation. Soon becoming a first-choice, he provided his first assist
Assist (football)
In association football, an assist is a contribution by a player which helps to score a goal. Statistics for assists made by players may be kept officially by the organisers of a competition, or unofficially by, for example, journalists or organisers of fantasy football competitions...
for Fabián Canobbio on November 15, in a 1–0 home win against Real Madrid, netting his first for the club a week later, in Valladolid's 3–0 away success over Villarreal CF
Villarreal CF
Villarreal Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. , usually abbreviated to Villarreal CF or just Villarreal, is a Spanish Primera División football club based in Vila-real, a city in the province of Castellón within the Valencian Community...
.
Getafe
After lengthy negotiations with Getafe CFGetafe CF
Getafe Club de Fútbol is a Spanish La Liga football club based in Getafe, a city in the Madrid metropolitan area, founded in 1946 and refounded in 1983.In the top level since 2004-05, it holds home games at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez....
, with the player appearing very rarely for Valladolid in pre-season, a five-year contract worth around €4 million was finally arranged in August 2009. During the season
2009–10 La Liga
- Personnel and sponsoring :- Before the start of the season :- During the season :-League table:||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|...
, León scored nine goals in official matches (eight in the league, with nine assists
Assist (football)
In association football, an assist is a contribution by a player which helps to score a goal. Statistics for assists made by players may be kept officially by the organisers of a competition, or unofficially by, for example, journalists or organisers of fantasy football competitions...
), as the Madrid
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
side finished sixth and qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the second time in its history.
Real Madrid
On 15 July 2010, Real Madrid confirmed the transfer of León, for €10 million. The player passed the pertinent medical test and was presented the following day. On 4 August, he made his club debut in a friendly match against Club AméricaClub América
Club América is a Mexican Professional football club based in Mexico City. It competes in the Primera División, the top professional league in the country. The team's nickname is Las Águilas ....
, playing the full match in a 3–2 win; in his second appearance, four days later, he scored against the Los Angeles Galaxy
Los Angeles Galaxy
The Los Angeles Galaxy are an American professional soccer team, based in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California, which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, and the league's second...
, as the match ended with the same score, favorable to the Merengues.
On 3 November 2010, León scored his first official goal for Real Madrid, combining with Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability...
- both players had come from the bench during the second half - for a last-minute goal
Last-minute goal
The term "last-minute goal" is used in sport, primarily association football, to describe a goal scored very late in a game. It may not necessarily refer to a goal scored in the actual final minute...
at A.C. Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
for the season's UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
group stage, a 2–2 draw that sent the Spaniards through to the knockout stage.
During the course of 2010–11
2010–11 La Liga
The 2010–11 La Liga season was the 80th since its establishment. The campaign began on 28 August 2010 and ended on 21 May 2011. A total of 20 teams contested the league, 17 of which already contested in the 2009–10 season and three of which were promoted from the Segunda División...
, however, León appeared rarely for Real Madrid: after assuming he would start against AJ Auxerre
AJ Auxerre
Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise is a French association football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade l'Abbé-Deschamps on the banks of the...
in the Champions League in late September, he was immediately dropped from the list of 18 by coach José Mourinho
José Mourinho
José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho is a Portuguese football manager and the current manager of Real Madrid. He is commonly known as "The Special One".Mourinho is regarded by some players, coaches and critics as the best ever coach in football....
. Later, he was ridiculed in the press by his own manager when the latter justified his absence. In early February 2011, both he and teammate Fernando Gago were dropped from the squad that would face Sevilla FC
Sevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA...
in the season
2010–11 Copa del Rey
The 2010–11 Copa del Rey was the 107th staging of the Copa del Rey. The competition began on August 21, 2010 and ended on April 20, 2011 with the final, held at the Estadio Mestalla in Valencia, in which Real Madrid lifted the trophy for the eighteenth time in their history with a 1–0 victory over...
's Copa del Rey
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
, for fighting in training; the Argentine was however picked for the next match, whereas the winger was not.
Additionally, León was also not allowed to leave on loan in the winter transfer window
Transfer window
The transfer window is the period during the year in which a football club can transfer players from other countries into their playing staff. Such a transfer is completed by registering the player into the new club through FIFA...
, after renewed interest from Chelsea. In March 2011, after the market had closed, Hércules CF
Hércules CF
Hércules Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Alicante, in the autonomous community of Valencia. Founded in 1922, it currently plays in the Spanish second division, and holds home games at the Estadio José Rico Pérez, which seats 30,000 spectators.-History:After first...
tried to acquire the player in the same predicament, following Tote's severe knee
Knee
The knee joint joins the thigh with the leg and consists of two articulations: one between the fibula and tibia, and one between the femur and patella. It is the largest joint in the human body and is very complicated. The knee is a mobile trocho-ginglymus , which permits flexion and extension as...
injury, but Real Madrid refused again.
In the very last days of the 2011 summer transfer window, León returned to former club Getafe, in a season
2011–12 La Liga
The 2011–12 La Liga season is the 81st since its establishment. Barcelona are the defending champions, having won their 21st La Liga title in the previous season for the third time in a row. The campaign began on 27 August 2011, and will end on 13 May 2012...
-long loan. On 1 October he scored his first goal in his second spell, with a spectacular long-range strike at Málaga CF
Málaga CF
Málaga Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Málaga, Andalusia. The team currently plays in Spain's La Liga.Málaga CF is generally seen as the successor to CD Málaga, one of the most historical Andalusian football clubs, by being a near-identical looking football club that even shares...
, in an eventual 2–3 loss.
International career
León made his debut for the Spanish national under-21 football teamSpain national under-21 football team
The Spain national under-21 football team, is the national under-21 football team of Spain and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The team, nicknamed La Rojita , competes in the biannual European Under-21 Football Championship.Following the realignment of UEFA's youth...
on 31 January 2007. On 6 February, Iñaki Sáez
Iñaki Sáez
José Ignacio "Iñaki" Sáez Ruiz is a retired Spanish football defender and manager.The vast majority of his professional career was spent with Athletic Bilbao, which he later also coached in various levels, appearing in more than 300 official games with his main club.In addition to two other clubs...
played him again in a friendly against England
England national under-21 football team
England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21, is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team....
, in which he was replaced by Juan Mata
Juan Manuel Mata
Juan Manuel Mata García is a Spanish footballer who plays for Chelsea. He is mainly a left winger, but can also play on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder....
in a 2–2 away draw. He also featured in the 2009 Under-21 Euro qualifier
2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Qualification Group 4
The teams competing in Group 4 of the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championships qualifying competition are Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Russia and Spain.-Standings:Key:...
against Georgia
Georgia national under-21 football team
The Georgian U-21 national football team is the football team representing Georgia in competitions for under-21 year old players.-Current squad :The following players were called up for the European Under-21 Football Championship...
, replacing Alejandro Alfaro
Alejandro Alfaro
Alejandro Alfaro Ligero is a Spanish footballer who plays for RCD Mallorca in La Liga.Mainly a right winger, he can also operate as a second striker.-Club career:...
in a 1–0 away win.
Picked in the 23-man squad for the final stages
2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship
The 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship began on 15 June 2009, and was the 17th UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship. This was the first tournament after the competition reverted to a two-year format, following the single-year 2006-07 competition, which allowed the change to...
in Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, León scored in the final game against Finland
Finland national under-21 football team
The Finnish national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Finland. The team qualified for the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship final tournament in 2009.-UEFA U-21 Championship Record:...
, but the national team did not progress from the group stage.
Club statistics
- Accurate as of 23 April 2011.
Club Season League Cup Europe Total Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Murcia Real MurciaReal Murcia Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in the region of Murcia. Founded in 1908, it currently plays in the second division, playing home matches at Estadio Nueva Condomina, which can hold 33,045 spectators....2004–05 7 1 - 7 1 2005–06 2005–06 Segunda División-Classification 2005–06:-Relegated to Segunda División B:* UE Lleida -- Relegated to Segunda División B - Group 3* Ferrol -- Relegated to Segunda División B - Group 1* Eibar -- Relegated to Segunda División B - Group 4...30 2 2 0 - 32 2 2006–07 31 7 1 0 - 32 7 Total 68 10 3 0 Levante Levante UDLevante Unión Deportiva, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, in the namesake community.Founded in 1909, it plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadi Ciutat de València.-Early years:...
2007–08 24 3 2 3 0 - 27 3 2 Total 24 3 2 3 0 Valladolid Real ValladolidReal Valladolid Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Valladolid, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, from where the nickname Pucela is derived....
2008–09 33 3 8 2 2 1 - 35 5 9 Total 33 3 8 2 2 1 Getafe Getafe CFGetafe Club de Fútbol is a Spanish La Liga football club based in Getafe, a city in the Madrid metropolitan area, founded in 1946 and refounded in 1983.In the top level since 2004-05, it holds home games at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez....
2009–10 2009–10 La Liga- Personnel and sponsoring :- Before the start of the season :- During the season :-League table:||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|...35 8 9 7 1 2 - 42 9 11 Total 35 8 9 7 1 2 Real Madrid Real Madrid C.F.Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
2010–11 2010–11 La LigaThe 2010–11 La Liga season was the 80th since its establishment. The campaign began on 28 August 2010 and ended on 21 May 2011. A total of 20 teams contested the league, 17 of which already contested in the 2009–10 season and three of which were promoted from the Segunda División...6 0 0 4 1 1 4 1 0 14 2 1 Total 6 0 0 4 1 1 4 1 0 14 2 1 Getafe (loan) Getafe CFGetafe Club de Fútbol is a Spanish La Liga football club based in Getafe, a city in the Madrid metropolitan area, founded in 1946 and refounded in 1983.In the top level since 2004-05, it holds home games at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez....2011–12 2011–12 La LigaThe 2011–12 La Liga season is the 81st since its establishment. Barcelona are the defending champions, having won their 21st La Liga title in the previous season for the third time in a row. The campaign began on 27 August 2011, and will end on 13 May 2012...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Career totals 166 24 19 19 4 4 4 1 0 189 29 23
Personal life
León's older brother, Luis León SánchezLuis León Sánchez
Luis León Sánchez Gil is a Spanish road bicycle racer for UCI ProTeam . He is also known as Lulu Sanchez. He rode for team Liberty Seguros-Würth from 2004 until 2006, when he moved to the Caisse d'Epargne team following the collapse of the Liberty Seguros-Würth team in the wake of the Operación...
, is a road bicycle racer
Road bicycle racing
Road bicycle racing is a bicycle racing sport held on roads, using racing bicycles. The term "road racing" is usually applied to events where competing riders start simultaneously with the winner being the first to the line at the end of the course .Historically, the most...
. His other brother, Antonio, also plays football, but the indoor
Indoor soccer
Indoor soccer or arena soccer, or six-a-side football in the United Kingdom, is a game derived from association football adapted for play in an indoor arena such as a turf-covered hockey arena or skating rink. The most important difference in play is that the indoor field is surrounded by a wall...
variety.
León is not his surname, but he carries it as a second name
Middle name
People's names in several cultures include one or more additional names placed between the first given name and the surname. In Canada and the United States all such names are specifically referred to as middle name; in most European countries they would simply be regarded as second, third, etc....
in memory of his grandfather and eldest brother, both died in 2006 (the latter in a motorbike accident), and tends to just go by the name León rather than León Sánchez (as his two brothers), also celebrating his goals by pointing to the sky.