The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) announced today that retired soccer star Hugo Sanchez, will be honored with the Sports Award at the 25th Hispanic Heritage Awards; the annual celebration of Hispanic excellence and premier event of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States, which will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C, on September 15, 2011.
The Hispanic Heritage Awards (HHAs) were established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan and the White House as the official celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans from September 15th to October 15th. Over the last 25 years, the HHAs have grown into one of the most prestigious awards in the United States, honoring Hispanic excellence, leadership, and accomplishments in the fields of Arts, Education, Leadership, Vision, Business, Math & Science, Sports and Legend. These individuals have inspired, empowered and improved the lives of Hispanics in the United States and the world.
Hugo Sánchez Márquez was born July 11th, 1958 in Mexico City, Mexico. He's popularly known as Hugol and is considered to be the first Mexican superstar player to come out of Mexico. The former striker played for four European clubs, including powerhouse Real Madrid. He was also a member of the Mexican national team and participated in three World Cups, as well as winning two championships as a coach with Mexican first division clubs Pumas of UNAM and Club Necaxa.
As an eighteen year old Sanchez participated in the 1976 summer Olympics playing for the Mexican national team. Having already played over 80 international games, the seasoned teenager signed for the Pumas of UNAM, a professional team representing Mexico's National University, where he also attained his Dentistry degree. That year, UNAM managed to get its first Mexican League title, with Hugo leading the way as top scorer. In 1979, UNAM agreed to loan Sanchez to the San Diego Sockers of the North American Soccer League (NASL), where he became a dominant striker, averaging a goal per game.
After five successful seasons in Mexico, in 1981 Sánchez drew the attention of several Spanish clubs and signed with Atlético Madrid. By 1984 he was a constant scoring threat and was recognized with his first "Pichichi" award, which is given to the most prolific scorer in the Euro league. He continued with his dominant ways and attained three more consecutive "Pichichi's" and would eventually finish with a total of five; the only player to do so in history.
In 1999, the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History and Statistics) voted Shanchez the 26th best footballer of the 20th Century, as well as the best player from the CONCACAF region (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football).
"Mexico has undoubtedly produced talented soccer players; however none more successful and respected as Hugo Sanchez" said Maria-Esmeralda Paguaga, Executive Producer of the Hispanic Heritage Awards (HHAs). "Not only did he excel in his native Mexico, he was able to take his talents internationally and notably succeed, earning countless awards and recognitions. We're very pleased to have an athlete who has accomplished so much and has positively represented his heritage worldwide", added Paguaga.
Former honorees of the Hispanic Heritage Awards have included prominent Hispanics, such as Celia Cruz, Oscar de la Renta, Isabel Allende, Ricky Martin, Placido Domingo, Gloria and Emilo Estefan, Jose Feliciano, Tito Puente, Oscar de la Hoya, Cong. Luis V. Gutierrez, Andy Garcia, Edward James Olmos, Mana, Cristina Saralegui, Juan Luis Guerra, Alejandro Sanz, Don Francisco, among others.
For more information, visit HispanicHeritage.org.
