Nicanor Sagarduy Gonzalo (previously Nicanor Trapero Gonzalo), known as Canito (18 March 1931 â 24 June 1998), was a Spanish footballer who played as a defender.
Canito signed with Basque Country club Athletic Bilbao in 1948, from neighbours Barakaldo CF in the Segunda División. Immediately after arriving, on 12 September, the 17-year-old made his La Liga debut, helping to a 7âÂÂ2 home demolition of Real Valladolid. He scored his first goal for the Lions in only his tenth appearance, in the 4âÂÂ0 win against Sevilla FC also at the San Mamés Stadium.
In the 1955âÂÂ56 season, Canito appeared in 27 games as Athletic won the top-division title. He would also be an essential defensive player as they conquered three Copa del Rey trophies in just four years (for a total of four during his spell).
After 15 years in the senior squad, and 440 competitive matches to his credit, Canito moved to another side in the region, Deportivo Alavés, but called it quits after only a few months. He died aged 67 in his hometown of Barakaldo, Biscay.
Canito won his only cap for Spain on 10 March 1957, as he featured the full 90 minutes of a 2âÂÂ2 draw in Madrid against Switzerland for the 1958 FIFA World Cup qualification stage. Neither team would make it to the finals, both trailing group winners Scotland.
Athletic Bilbao