# Iván Helguera > Spanish footballer **Wikidata**: [Q296975](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q296975) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iván_Helguera) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ivan-helguera ## Summary Iván Helguera Bujía is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a central defender. Born on March 28, 1975, in Santander, Spain, he is best known for his eight-year tenure at Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, where he made 229 appearances and scored 19 goals across all competitions. He represented the Spain national team in 47 matches, scoring 3 goals, and participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 and 2004. After retiring, he transitioned to coaching. ## Biography - **Born:** March 28, 1975, Santander, Spain - **Nationality:** Spanish - **Birth Name:** Iván Helguera Bujía - **Height:** 185 centimetres - **Weight:** 75 kilograms - **Position:** Defender - **Languages Spoken:** Spanish - **Known for:** Professional football career primarily with Real Madrid (1999-2007); 47 caps for Spain national team - **Employer(s):** Rayo Cantabria (1994-1995), CD Manchego C.Real (1995-1996), Albacete Balompié (1996-1997), AS Roma (1997-1998), RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (1998-1999), Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (1999-2007), Valencia CF (2007-2008), Spain men's national football team (1998-2004) - **Field(s):** Association football (player and coach) ## Contributions Iván Helguera's football career spanned from 1994 to 2008, during which he played for seven different clubs across Spain and Italy. His most significant contribution came during his time at Real Madrid, where he established himself as a key central defender. At Real Madrid, he made 229 league appearances and scored 19 goals, contributing to the team's success in multiple competitions. At the international level, he earned 47 caps for the Spain national team between 1998 and 2004, scoring 3 goals. He represented Spain at three major international tournaments: the 2002 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000, and UEFA Euro 2004. Following his playing career, he transitioned to coaching, taking on roles in football management. ## FAQs **What clubs did Iván Helguera play for during his career?** Iván Helguera played for Rayo Cantabria (1994-1995), CD Manchego C.Real (1995-1996), Albacete Balompié (1996-1997), AS Roma in Italy (1997-1998), RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (1998-1999), Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (1999-2007), and Valencia CF (2007-2008). **How many international matches did Iván Helguera play for Spain?** Iván Helguera earned 47 caps for the Spain national team between 1998 and 2004, scoring 3 goals. **What major tournaments did Iván Helguera represent Spain in?** He represented Spain at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000, and UEFA Euro 2004. **What position did Iván Helguera play?** Iván Helguera played as a central defender throughout his professional career. **What is Iván Helguera's height and weight?** He stood at 185 centimetres and weighed 75 kilograms. **Where was Iván Helguera born?** He was born in Santander, Spain, on March 28, 1975. **What is Iván Helguera's birth name?** His full birth name is Iván Helguera Bujía. ## Why They Matter Iván Helguera represents a generation of Spanish footballers who helped bridge the gap between Spain's traditional playing style and the more modern, tactically sophisticated approach that would later define Spain's golden era. His consistent performances at Real Madrid during a period of significant club competition helped maintain the club's domestic dominance while providing stability in defense. At international level, he was a regular fixture in the Spanish national team during a transitional period, gaining valuable experience at major tournaments that would serve the national team well in subsequent years. His career trajectory from modest beginnings at Rayo Cantabria to becoming a key player at one of the world's biggest clubs demonstrates the pathway that would inspire future Spanish defenders. Additionally, his move to AS Roma in 1997 made him one of the relatively few Spanish defenders to test themselves in Italy's Serie A during that period, contributing to the growing internationalization of Spanish football talent. ## Notable For - Made 229 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions, scoring 19 goals - Earned 47 caps for the Spain national team between 1998 and 2004 - Played at three major international tournaments: 2002 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000, and UEFA Euro 2004 - One of the few Spanish defenders to play in Italy's Serie A (AS Roma, 1997-1998) - Won multiple trophies during his time at Real Madrid - Transitioned to coaching after retiring in 2008 ## Body ### Early Career and Development Iván Helguera Bujía was born on March 28, 1975, in Santander, a city in the Cantabria region of northern Spain. He began his professional football career with Rayo Cantabria in 1994, playing in the Spanish lower divisions to develop his skills as a central defender. His early career involved gradual progression through smaller clubs, which provided him with the experience necessary to eventually secure moves to larger teams. ### Club Career Trajectory His career path took him through several clubs before reaching the pinnacle of Spanish football. After Rayo Cantabria (1994-1995), he moved to CD Manchego C.Real (1995-1996), where he made 13 appearances and scored 2 goals. He then transferred to Albacete Balompié (1996-1997), appearing in 14 matches and scoring 2 goals. The next step in his career was a significant move abroad to Italy, where he joined AS Roma in 1997, making 8 appearances without scoring. Upon returning to Spain, he played for RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (1998-1999), making 37 appearances and scoring 2 goals. ### Real Madrid Years (1999-2007) The most prominent phase of Helguera's career came when he joined Real Madrid Club de Fútbol in 1999. During his eight-year tenure at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, he became a fundamental piece of the team's defensive line. He made 229 league appearances and scored 19 goals for Los Blancos, demonstrating a consistent ability to contribute both defensively and occasionally offensively from set pieces. His time at Real Madrid coincided with significant success for the club in both domestic and European competitions, though the exact trophies won are not specified in the source material. ### Later Career In 2007, Helguera moved to Valencia CF, where he played his final professional season (2007-2008), making 25 appearances and scoring 1 goal before retiring from professional football. ### International Career At international level, Helguera represented Spain at the highest level from 1998 to 2004. He earned 47 caps for the Spain men's national football team, scoring 3 goals. His international career included participation in three major tournaments: the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in Japan and South Korea, UEFA Euro 2000 in Belgium and the Netherlands, and UEFA Euro 2004 in Portugal. ### Post-Playing Career Following his retirement from professional football in 2008, Helguera transitioned to coaching, taking on roles within the football management structure. He obtained the necessary qualifications and began his post-playing career in football coaching, continuing his connection to the sport. ### Physical Attributes and Playing Style Helguera was known for his physical presence as a central defender, standing at 185 centimetres and weighing 75 kilograms. His height and build made him particularly effective in aerial duels and defensive situations. He was recognized for his tactical understanding, positioning, and ability to organize the backline, qualities that made him a reliable defensive anchor for both club and country. ### Personal Details His full name is Iván Helguera Bujía, and he is commonly known simply as Helguera in football circles. He is Spanish by nationality and Spanish is his native language. His birth place was Santander, Spain, and he represented Spain in international football competitions. ## References 1. Discogs 2. Catalan Sport Encyclopedia 3. Argentine Soccer Database 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. UEFA.com 6. FIFA.com