Ricardo Escobar, the promotion specialist linking Castellón and Cádiz | OneFootball

CD Castellón host Cádiz CF at SkyFi Castalia this Friday, a meeting threaded by memories of José Ricardo Escobar Palacios. A Cádiz legend, Escobar also excelled for Castellón from 1988 to 1990, first helping them up to Primera, then securing survival.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the San Fernando native, born in 1958, holds a record six promotions to the top flight, four with Cádiz, one with Elche and one with Castellón.

He recalls that period vividly, often listing former team-mates and coach Luiche, who died in 2024. He felt promotion was possible on arrival, even if the external pressure was not overwhelming.

Escobar says a strong homegrown core was complemented by smart signings. The start was slow, but unity brought a turnaround. A combative midfielder with quality, he played 41 matches in Segunda, scoring three, then 27 in Primera. He featured in midfield throughout, despite occasional debate about a right-back role, a perception shaped by wearing the number 2, including against Real Madrid when he marked Aldana.

Highlights included a 0-0 at Castalia against the Quinta del Buitre champions and a 1-0 win over an emerging Barcelona under Cruyff. He defines his game as ball-winning with late runs and a clean strike.

Good form did not lead to a new deal. He wanted to stay and his family were settled, but no financial agreement was reached.

He returned home and retired at 32, focusing on the family business. He still turns out for Cádiz veterans at 67, and these days he barely watches football, preferring weekends with his wife.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo