Once Upon a Time in La Liga: Spanish Football's Forgotten Tales

Brendan Madden delves into archives and secret files, and speaks to those who were there, to uncover Spanish football’s most incredible hidden stories. This meticulously researched anthology offers a vivid, deeply human glimpse into Spanish football – and the culture, politics and history that shaped it.

"A meticulously researched work that gets to the heart of some of the lesser-known corners of Spanish football."

"If you love football, you’ll NEVER regret buying this book. Packed full of extraordinary stories from Spanish football - uplifting, idiosyncratic, passionate, mad, sad, bad and brilliant - almost all of which you’ve never read before."

"These are the stories about the people you haven’t heard about or, if you have, not like this."

"Brendan Madden is such an atmospheric writer who transports you to the heart of these enthralling tales, which are an absolute treat for any fan of Spanish football."

"Extraordinary stories brilliantly told — a fresh, beautiful take on Spanish football''s past."

"Brendan Madden is a gifted writer with a deep knowledge of Spanish football and its culture, and an eye for an untold, absurd story, told with real flair. I love reading his work and I''d recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in La Liga."

"These remarkable stories will be revealing for Spanish football fans and equally engaging for those who are not. Scrupulously researched, this is sportswriting at its best: original, educational, thought-provoking and emotional."

Brendan Madden delves into archives and secret files, and speaks to those who were there, to uncover Spanish football’s most incredible hidden stories.

Perfect for anyone interested in Spanish football or wider Spanish culture and history.

In this passionately crafted collection brimming with compelling characters, you’ll learn about:

• The team-mates persecuted by Franco’s regime for a humble protest
• How the fastest winger in the land became a Nazi spy
• The boy abandoned at an orphanage who became a rebellious generational talent
• Two rising stars caught in one of Spain’s deadliest fires
• The boardroom figures who defied ETA and Galicia’s drug cartels
• Johan Cruyff’s bizarre stint at Levante
• The extraordinary life of the man who gave the world ‘tiki-taka’
• How a Blackpool lad became the cherished voice of Spanish TV
• The goal that shook Barcelona in the middle of the night
• The profound connection between Cádiz’s carnival and its football club

Meet new heroes and villains in this meticulously researched anthology, which offers a vivid, deeply human glimpse into Spanish football – and the culture, politics and history that shaped it.

• | Author: Brendan Madden
• | Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd
• | Publication Date: Sep 08, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781836801689
• | ISBN-10: 1836801688