Manuel Agudo Durán, known as Nolito, accumulated 243 appearances and 60 goals throughout his tenure in Spain's La Liga. The Spanish forward, who began his trajectory in lower league football, transitioned through high-profile clubs including Barcelona, Benfica, Manchester City, and Sevilla before concluding his professional career as a veteran of the game in 2023.
Early Development and Breakthrough
Born in 1986 in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Nolito initiated his footballing activities with UD Algaida before advancing to Atlético Sanluqueño. By age 15, he made his first-team debut in the Tercera División. After a period at Valencia and a return to Sanluqueño, where he secured 27 goals in the 2005–06 campaign, he transitioned to Écija. His performance there, which included a goal against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, facilitated his move to the Barcelona youth academy at age 22.
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In 2011, Nolito opted for a five-year contract with Benfica, where he became one of only two players alongside Eusébio to score in their first five official matches. His international club experience later expanded to the Premier League with Manchester City in 2016, signed for £13.8 million. His time in England proved brief, and he subsequently returned to Spain to join Sevilla in 2017 and later Celta de Vigo, where he had previously served under Luis Enrique.
International Participation
Nolito earned his first cap for the Spanish national team in November 2014 under manager Vicente del Bosque, debuting at the Balaídos Stadium. His international scoring record included braces against Bosnia and Herzegovina and South Korea in 2016. He was a member of the 23-man squad that competed at UEFA Euro 2016, where he started matches and scored against Turkey in the group stage.
Final Years
Following his final stint at Celta, Nolito moved to the second-tier club Ibiza in September 2022 on a two-year deal. He participated in 28 matches for the Balearic side during the 2022–23 season. His contract was terminated in June 2023, and he officially announced his retirement from professional association football on 13 September 2023 at the age of 36.
Fast facts
- Full name: Manuel Agudo Durán
- Born: 1986, Sanlúcar de Barrameda
- Playing position: Winger and forward
- Professional debut: Atlético Sanluqueño
- Retirement date: 13 September 2023
- Major transfer fee: £13.8 million (Manchester City)
- International debut: November 2014
Questions readers ask
Which major honors did Nolito win?
He won La Liga with Barcelona in 2010–11, the Taça da Liga with Benfica in 2011–12, and the UEFA Europa League with Sevilla in 2019–20.
Did Nolito play for youth national teams?
No, he did not earn any caps for Spain at the youth level before his senior debut.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
