One of Spain’s most successful managers, Vicente del Bosque, turns 66 on December 23. A Real Madrid player in his playing career, Del Bosque was a defensive midfielder, had 441 appearances and 30 goals in La Liga, in total.

However, his most notable contribution to Spanish football was when he led Spain, as manager, to a World Cup win in 2010, their first ever.

Spain beat Netherlands in the final, thanks to a goal from Andres Iniesta in extra-time.

Under Del Bosque, Spain also won the Euro Championship in 2008 and were also able to retain the title in 2012.

He stepped down as Spain’s coach in July 2016, following Spain’s poor show in the 2016 Euro Championship, when they were ousted in the second round by Italy.

Other sport stars born this day

1941: Jean Gachassin, former France back, now president of the French tennis federation.

1979: Kenny Miller, former Scotland forward, now with Rangers.

1986: TJ Oshie – Washington Capitals and United States forward who shot to prominence by scoring four times in a Winter Olympic shoot-out against Russia in Sochi.

1992: Jeff Schlupp, Leicester and Ghana forward.