1. Playing career
Paquito's playing career as a midfielder was marked by his longevity and significant contributions to his clubs and the national team.
1.1. Early life and background
Born in Oviedo, Asturias, Paquito began his football journey in his hometown. His early development included spells at youth clubs such as Obetense, Cibeles, and the youth setup of Real Oviedo. These formative years laid the groundwork for his professional career.
1.2. Club career
Paquito's professional club career spanned 14 seasons, during which he played a total of 358 matches and scored 32 goals across various competitions. He primarily represented Real Oviedo and Valencia CF in La Liga.
His club career details are as follows:
| Year | Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957-1963 | Real Oviedo | 115 | 5 |
| 1957-1958 | → Juvencia (loan) | ||
| 1958-1959 | → La Felguera (loan) | ||
| 1963-1972 | Valencia CF | 212 | 26 |
| 1972-1973 | Mestalla | 31 | 1 |
During the 1970-71 campaign with Valencia CF, Paquito played a crucial role, appearing in 27 matches, all as a starter, and scoring three goals. His contributions helped the team secure their fourth national championship title, which was their first in 24 years.
1.3. International career
Paquito earned nine caps for the Spain national team over a period of nearly five years. Prior to his full national team debut, he also played one match for the Spain B team in 1961.
His debut for the senior national team came on November 1, 1962, in a 1964 European Nations' Cup qualifier against Romania. Spain won the home match 6-0. Paquito was an integral part of the Spanish squad that went on to win the 1964 European Nations' Cup, marking a significant achievement in his international career.
2. Coaching career
Paquito embarked on an extensive coaching career that lasted for more than 30 years, managing numerous clubs across different divisions in Spanish football.
2.1. Coaching activities
His first professional coaching role was with Real Valladolid in the 1977-78 season, where the team finished seventh in the Segunda División. Over his long career, he managed a wide array of clubs, often taking on challenges in the lower divisions.
His managerial journey included:
| Year | Club |
|---|---|
| Benimar | |
| 1973-1974 | Gandia |
| 1974-1975 | Alzira |
| 1975-1976 | Atlético Madrileño |
| 1977-1978 | Real Valladolid |
| 1978-1980 | Castellón |
| 1980-1982 | Real Valladolid |
| 1982 | Hércules |
| 1983-1984 | Valencia CF |
| 1985-1986 | Cádiz |
| 1987-1988 | Figueres |
| 1989-1990 | Las Palmas |
| 1992-1993 | Racing de Santander |
| 1994-1995 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 1999 | Villarreal CF |
| 1999-2000 | Villarreal CF |
| 2001-2002 | Onda |
| 2002 | Villarreal CF |
| 2004 | Villarreal CF |
2.2. Achievements as coach
A notable aspect of Paquito's coaching career was his ability to secure promotion to the top flight, La Liga, on three separate occasions. He achieved this feat with Racing de Santander in 1993, Rayo Vallecano in 1995, and Villarreal CF in 2000.
Beyond his head coaching roles, Paquito also held various directorial capacities, particularly with Villarreal CF. His tenure at Villarreal included serving as an assistant manager, youth academy director, and head coach of their farm team, CD Onda.
3. Honours
Francisco García Gómez accumulated several significant honours throughout his career as both a player and a coach.
3.1. Club honours
With Valencia CF, Paquito achieved:
- La Liga: 1970-71
- Copa del Generalísimo: 1966-67
- Inter-Cities Fairs Cup: 1962-63
3.2. International honours
With the Spain national team, Paquito was part of the squad that won:
- UEFA European Championship: 1964
4. Death
Francisco García Gómez died on August 21, 2024, in Valencia, at the age of 86. His passing was announced by Valencia CF, among other football organizations, marking the end of a long and impactful career in Spanish football.