La Liga’s Top Scorers (1970-1999) | OneFootball

From 1970 to 1999, La Liga was home to legendary goal scorers like Hugo Sánchez, Quini, and Santillana. These iconic strikers led the scoring charts with their skill, consistency, and impact on the game. Their performances defined an era and left a lasting mark on Spanish soccer history.

Enrique Castro Gonzalez (a.k.a. “Quini”)

Famously known as “Quini,” González was one of Spain’s most dynamic and beloved strikers. Born in 1949, he built a legendary career with Sporting Gijón and FC Barcelona. He earned admiration for his sharp finishing, intelligence, and consistency in front of goals. Over 448 La Liga appearances between 1970 and 1987, he netted an impressive 219 goals.

Quini won the prestigious Pichichi Trophy (recognizing La Liga’s top goal scorer in a season) five times — three with Sporting Gijón and two with Barcelona. At Barcelona, he played a crucial role in securing multiple trophies: two Copa del Rey titles, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and the Supercopa de España. On the international stage, he earned 35 caps for Spain and scored eight goals.

Hugo Sánchez

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Hugo Sánchez, born on July 11, 1958, in Mexico City, is a Mexican striking legend. Known for his acrobatic volleys and clinical finishing, he played in La Liga from 1981 through 1994, during which he earned five Pichichi. Sánchez scored 226 La Liga goals in total playing for three different clubs: Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid and Raya Vallacano. He won five consecutive league titles with Real Madrid (1985–1990).

Daniel Ruiz-Bazán (a.k.a. “Dani”)

A true child of Euskera/País Vasco, Dani was born and raised in the province of Bizkaia/Vizcaya. He joined Bilbao, and aside from two seasons on loan with Barakaldo, spent his entire career with the club. He was a renowned penalty kick specialist, and scored 147 goals in 302 appearances from 1974-1986. Dani also earned 25 caps for Spain between 1978-1981, scoring ten times.

Dani in 1978 (Source)

Carlos Alonso (a.k.a. Santillana)

Santillana in 2009 (Source)

From his debut in 1970 through his retirement in 1988, Santillana netted 202 goals in 496 appearances. He started his career at Racing Santander, but departed after one season to Real Madrid. He would spend his career there, helping the club win nine leagues titles, four Copa del Reys and two UEFA Cups. Santillana also represented Spain 56 times, playing in two World Cups, and scoring 15 goals.

Mario Kempes

Mario Kempes, born on July 15, 1954, in Bell Ville, Argentina, is perhaps best remembered as one of the architects of Argentina’s first-ever FIFA World Cup triumph in 1978. He was the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, including a brace in the final against the Netherlands. But his five seasons with Valencia (1976-1981) he also became a La Liga scoring legend. He won two Pichichi and amassed 125 goals in 187 games.

Julio Salinas

Julio Salinas played for five different clubs between 1981 and 1998 (Bilbao, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Deportivo La Coruña and Sporting Girón). In this span, the tall, wiry striker found the net 200 times in 460 appearances. He also suited up for Spain 56 times (with 22 goals), appearing in three World Cups. Fun fact: he and his brother Patxi hold the Spanish record for most top-flight games played by siblings: 849.

Salinas in 2016 (Source)

José Mari Bakero

A short (5’7″) attacking midfielder, Bakero spent sixteen years in La Liga, split evenly between Real Sociedad and Barcelona. In 483 games, he scored 139 times. After retirement he became a manager, where he’s bounced between nearly a dozen clubs since 2005. He’s the father of Jon Bakero, who plays in the USL League One side Charlotte Independence.