Diego Orejuela Explained

Diego Orejuela
Full Name:Diego Orejuela Rodríguez
Birth Date:20 January 1962
Birth Place:La Luisiana, Spain
Death Place:Barcelona, Spain
Height:1.85 m
Position:Midfielder
Youthclubs1:Español
Years1:1979–1991
Caps1:245
Goals1:14
Years2:1979–1980
Clubs2:Figueres (loan)
Caps2:29
Goals2:8
Years3:1980–1981
Clubs3:Sabadell (loan)
Caps3:16
Goals3:1
Years4:1981–1982
Clubs4:Figueres (loan)
Years5:1982
Clubs5:Lleida (loan)
Caps5:5
Goals5:0
Years6:1991–1993
Caps6:66
Goals6:7
Nationalyears1:1978
Nationalcaps1:3
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:1984
Nationalcaps2:1
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:1984
Nationalcaps3:1
Nationalgoals3:0

Diego Orejuela Rodríguez (20 January 1962 – 20 June 2024) was a Spanish professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Career

Born in La Luisiana, Province of Seville, Orejuela made his professional debut with RCD Español, being an undisputed starter since age 21 after serving four loans in the lower leagues, all in Catalonia, and remaining as such for the following six years. He scored three goals in the Pericos 1987–88 runner-up campaign in the UEFA Cup, having also captained the team for a number of years.

After a last weak season in La Liga – just 12 games, only two complete – Orejuela retired also in the area in 1993, playing two years with Español neighbours Palamós CF in the second division.

Personal life

Orejuela's older brother, Jesús, was also a professional footballer. A striker, he represented in the top level Espanyol (coinciding with Diego from 1982 to 1984), CA Osasuna and Real Zaragoza.[1]

Their cousin, Antonio, also played the sport. A midfielder, he appeared mainly for RCD Mallorca and Atlético Madrid.

Orejuela died in Barcelona on 20 June 2024, at the age of 62.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Orejuela, Jesús Orejuela Rodríguez - Footballer BDFutbol . 4 March 2024 . www.bdfutbol.com.
  2. https://amp.elperiodico.com/es/deportes/20240620/muere-62-anos-historico-capitan-diego-orejuela-rcde-espanyol-104043141 Muere a los 62 años el histórico capitán del Espanyol Diego Orejuela