1. Overview
Pedro Regueiro Pagola (Pedro Regueiro Pagolapedro re'gueiɾo pa'golaBasque; 1909-1985) was a Spanish footballer who primarily played as a midfielder. Born in Irun, Basque Country, he began his professional career with Real Unión in 1925. His career in Spain included spells at Real Betis and Real Madrid, where he played alongside his older brother, Luis Regueiro. The Spanish Civil War significantly impacted his career, leading him to join the Basque representative team on international tours before settling in Mexico. In Mexico, he continued his career with Club Deportivo Euzkadi and later Club Asturias, where he notably played with his younger brother, Tomás Regueiro, and helped the club secure the inaugural Mexican Primera División championship in the 1943-44 season. He permanently settled in Mexico, establishing a family there.
2. Early Life and Beginnings
Pedro Regueiro's early life and the start of his football journey were rooted in the Basque Country.
2.1. Birth and Family Background
Pedro Regueiro Pagola was born on 19 December 1909, in Irun, a town located in the Basque Country. He passed away on 11 June 1985, in Mexico City, Mexico, where he had settled later in life. He was one of several brothers who also became professional footballers, including Luis Regueiro and Tomás Regueiro.
2.2. Early Football Career
Regueiro commenced his professional playing career at a young age, joining Real Unión in 1925. This club, based in his hometown of Irun, provided the initial platform for his development as a midfielder.
3. Career in Spain
Pedro Regueiro's football career in Spain spanned several years and saw him play for prominent clubs before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.
3.1. Real Unión
Regueiro began his senior career with Real Unión in 1925. After a brief period away, he returned to the club for two more seasons, continuing to develop his skills as a midfielder in his hometown team.
3.2. Real Betis
In 1929, Pedro Regueiro moved to Real Betis for one season. His time at the Seville-based club was relatively short before he returned to his former team.
3.3. Real Madrid
In 1932, Regueiro made a significant move to Real Madrid, one of Spain's most prestigious clubs. During his tenure at Real Madrid, he had the notable experience of playing alongside his older brother, Luis Regueiro, who was also a prominent figure in Spanish football.
4. Spanish Civil War and Exile to Mexico
The Spanish Civil War, which began in 1936, had a profound impact on Pedro Regueiro's career, leading him to leave Spain and eventually settle in Mexico.
4.1. Basque Representative Team
During 1937 and 1938, as the Spanish Civil War raged in his homeland, Pedro Regueiro became a member of the Basque representative team. This team embarked on extensive tours across Europe and the Americas, serving both as a sporting endeavor and a political mission to raise awareness and funds for the Basque government-in-exile. The team's journey ultimately led Regueiro to Mexico.
4.2. Transition to Mexican Football
Following the conclusion of the Basque representative team's tour, Pedro Regueiro arrived in Mexico. He initially became involved with football teams formed by Basque exiles who had sought refuge in the country due to the civil war.
5. Career in Mexico
Pedro Regueiro's time in Mexico marked a significant chapter in his football career, where he made notable contributions to the developing Mexican football scene.
5.1. Club Deportivo Euzkadi
Upon his arrival in Mexico, Pedro Regueiro played for Club Deportivo Euzkadi. This team, composed of Basque exiles, competed in the Primera Fuerza league during the 1938-39 season. It served as his initial professional club in his new country.
5.2. Club Asturias
After his spell with Club Deportivo Euzkadi, Pedro Regueiro joined Club Asturias, a prominent Mexican football club. At Club Asturias, he had the unique opportunity to play alongside his younger brother, Tomás Regueiro. Together, they were instrumental in helping the club achieve a historic victory: winning the first championship of the newly created Mexican Primera División in the 1943-44 season. This achievement solidified his legacy in Mexican football.
6. Personal Life
Beyond his professional football career, Pedro Regueiro established a new life and family in Mexico.
6.1. Settlement and Family in Mexico
In 1939, Pedro Regueiro made the decision to permanently settle in Mexico following his football career there. He married Peri Romero in 1943. Together, they had four children: Pedro, Mari Carmen, María Eugenia, and José. He lived in Mexico until his passing in 1985.
7. Assessment and Legacy
Pedro Regueiro's career left a lasting impact on both Spanish and Mexican football, marked by significant achievements and a unique family connection within the sport.
7.1. Contributions to Football
Pedro Regueiro's contributions to football spanned both sides of the Atlantic. In Spain, he played for major clubs like Real Madrid, showcasing his talent as a midfielder. However, his most notable achievement came in Mexico, where he played a crucial role in Club Asturias's victory in the inaugural Mexican Primera División championship during the 1943-44 season. This title cemented his place in the history of Mexican football.
7.2. Family Football Legacy
A distinctive aspect of Pedro Regueiro's career was the presence of his brothers in professional football. He played alongside his older brother, Luis Regueiro, at Real Madrid in Spain. Later, in Mexico, he reunited on the pitch with his younger brother, Tomás Regueiro, at Club Asturias. This familial connection across different clubs and countries highlights a unique legacy within the sport.