1. Overview
Sebastián Ontoria Escolaza (Sebastián Ontoria EscolazaSpanish; January 20, 1920 - August 12, 2004) was a Spanish footballer who played primarily as a midfielder. Born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, his career spanned over a decade, most notably with Real Zaragoza and his hometown club Real Sociedad. He accumulated 213 appearances and 41 goals in La Liga over 11 seasons. Ontoria's career highlights include serving as captain for Real Sociedad, where he scored 114 goals in 374 games across all competitions, and reaching the final of the 1951 Copa del Generalísimo. Beyond his club achievements, he earned one cap for the Spain national football team and contributed to their qualification for the 1950 FIFA World Cup. His early life was significantly marked by the Spanish Civil War, during which he was imprisoned for two years.
2. Early Life
Sebastián Ontoria Escolaza's early years were shaped by his origins in the Basque Country and the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War.
2.1. Birth and Background
Sebastián Ontoria Escolaza was born on January 20, 1920, in San Sebastián, a city located in the province of Gipuzkoa, within the Basque Country of Spain. Details about his family background and childhood before his football career are not extensively documented.
2.2. Spanish Civil War and Imprisonment
The Spanish Civil War, which began in the mid-1930s, profoundly impacted Ontoria's early life. In the initial days of the conflict, he enlisted in the "Larrañaga" communist battalion, which was part of the Basque Army (Euzko GudarosteaSpanish). Following the conclusion of the Civil War, Ontoria was captured and subsequently imprisoned. He spent two years in a concentration camp located in Zaragoza. This period of exile and imprisonment occurred before he signed with his hometown club, Real Sociedad.
3. Club Career
Sebastián Ontoria's professional football career saw him play for several Spanish clubs, developing from a forward into a prominent midfielder and captain.
3.1. Real Zaragoza
Ontoria began his professional football journey with Real Zaragoza. During his initial two seasons with the club, he made only seven appearances in La Liga. In his second season, 1940-41 La Liga, Real Zaragoza was relegated to a lower division.
3.2. Real Sociedad
After his time with Real Zaragoza and returning from exile following the Spanish Civil War, Ontoria signed with his hometown club, Real Sociedad. His tenure at Real Sociedad was extensive and impactful, spanning 14 years at the Atotxa Stadium. Despite his contributions, Real Sociedad faced relegation during his time there on multiple occasions, specifically in the 1941-42 La Liga, 1943-44 La Liga, and 1947-48 La Liga seasons.
Initially, Ontoria played as a forward. However, under the guidance of coach Benito Díaz, he was successfully reconverted into a midfielder. Díaz also recognized Ontoria's leadership qualities, naming him team captain. Throughout his 14-year spell with Real Sociedad, Ontoria played in 374 games across all competitions, scoring an impressive 114 goals. A significant achievement during this period was reaching the final of the 1951 Copa del Generalísimo, Spain's premier knockout football competition, where Real Sociedad ultimately lost to FC Barcelona.
3.3. Later Club Stints
Following his long and distinguished career with Real Sociedad, Ontoria spent his final professional years playing in the Segunda División. He had brief, one-year stints with SD Indautxu and Barakaldo CF before ultimately retiring from top-tier football in 1957.
4. International Career
Sebastián Ontoria earned a single cap for the Spain national football team. This appearance came on April 9, 1950, in a 1950 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Portugal. The away match ended in a 2-2 draw. This result, combined with Spain's 5-1 victory in the home leg played in Madrid, secured the nation a ticket to the finals of the 1950 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil.
5. Retirement and Death
Sebastián Ontoria retired from professional football in 1957, at the age of 37, following his final seasons in the Segunda División. After his playing career, he lived for several more decades. Ontoria passed away on August 12, 2004, in his hometown of San Sebastián, where he was born and had spent much of his life. He was 84 years old at the time of his death.