Juan Carlos Ablanedo Iglesias (born 2 September 1963) is a Spanish former footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Due to his above-average reflexes, he was nicknamed El gato (cat), and represented local club Sporting de Gijón for almost 20 years as a professional.

Club career

Ablanedo was born in Mieres, Asturias. He played solely for Sporting de Gijón after being a product of the club's famed youth system, Mareo, and received his first-team debut on 2 January 1983, as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 home win against RCD Español after José Aurelio Rivero was sent off. After two further games the following season, Ablanedo became the Asturian side's undisputed starter, totalling 399 in La Liga. In the 1986–87 campaign, as Sporting finished fourth, he appeared in 42 matches (out of 44, as the league had a second stage). Ablanedo retired from football after 1998–99, with Sporting now in the Segunda División. He also had some serious injuries during his career, making only two appearances in his last season and none whatsoever in 1991–92. He was awarded the Ricardo Zamora Trophy three times.

International career

Ablanedo earned four caps for Spain, the first coming on 24 September 1986 in a 3–1 friendly victory over Greece in Gijón. He was a backup at both the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups. Previously, Ablanedo helped the nation's under-21s to conquer the 1986 European Championship.

Personal life

Ablanedo's older brother, José Luis, was also a footballer. A defender, he too played several top-tier seasons with Sporting, and they were hence known as Ablanedo I and Ablanedo II.

Honours

Spain U21 Individual