Miguel Ángel González Suárez (24 December 1947 – 6 February 2024), known as Miguel Ángel, was a Spanish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He all but spent his career with Real Madrid, making 346 competitive appearances.

Club career

Miguel Ángel was born in Ourense, Galicia. During his career, after making his beginnings at handball, he played for AD Couto (later renamed Atlético Orense), CD Castellón and Real Madrid, having an 18-year spell with the latter club and being first choice from 1974 to 1978 and in two of his final three seasons; he conquered six La Liga championships, being an active part in four of those. Miguel Ángel retired in June 1986, aged 38. Subsequently, he remained attached to Real in several capacities.

International career

Miguel Ángel earned 18 caps for the Spain national team. He made his debut on 12 October 1975 in a 2–0 win against Denmark for the UEFA Euro 1976 qualifiers, held in Barcelona. Miguel Ángel was included in the squad for the 1978 FIFA World Cup, where he started. He was a last-minute addition to the 1982 edition on home soil, as manager José Santamaría preferred to select three goalkeepers; he did not play in the latter tournament.

Personal life and death

On 17 December 2022, Miguel Ángel was diagnosed with ALS; Real Madrid expressed support for his fight against the disease in an official statement. He died on 6 February 2024, at the age of 76.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

Real Madrid Individual