He is plying his trade with Middlesbrough but Victor Valdes will be fondly remembered for his time at Barcelona where he enjoyed an illustrious stint.
Celebrating his 35th birthday today, Valdes began his career with the Catalan club, breaking into the first team in 2002.
With 535 caps, Valdes won 21 major titles including six La Liga crowns and three UEFA Champions League trophies.
He holds the club record for most appearances by a goalkeeper, breaking Andoni Zubizarreta’s mark during the 2011–12 season.
After leaving Spain in 2014, he moved to Manchester United before moving to Middlesbrough this season.
On the international stage, chances were hard to come by with Iker Casillas ahead of him but still played 20 games for Spain and was part of the squad to win the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Other sports stars born on this day:
1971: Lasse Kjus, Norway’s 1996 and 1999 World Cup skiing champion (46).
1973: Giancarlo Fisichella, former Formula One driver with Ferrari, Minardi, Jordan and Force India (44).
1978: Shawn Crawford, United States sprinter who won Olympic 200 metres gold in 2004 and silver in 2008 (39).
1986: Yohan Cabaye, Crystal Palace’s French midfielder, who played for PSG (31).