A tremendously attacking left wing-back, equally at ease as defender and midfielder and with a good effort rate, he had an unmistakable style of playing with his socks down.

[1] On 30 January 1977 he made his first-team and La Liga debut, against Burgos CF, and helped the Andalusians to win the Copa del Rey in his first year.

[2] After nine professional seasons with Betis – 12 in total, and another with the reserve side – being named the country's footballer of the year at the end of 1979–80[3] and appearing in nearly 300 official matches, Gordillo moved to Real Madrid for 1985–86,[4] winning the UEFA Cup in his debut campaign and scoring in the final against 1.

FC Köln, and forming a dreaded left-wing partnership with José Antonio Camacho during his tenure, with the former playing as a midfielder.

[9] Gordillo went on to represent the country in two FIFA World Cups (1982 and 1986)[10] and three UEFA European Championships (1980, 1984 and 1988, appearing in all the matches but one in the second competition for an eventual runner-up finish).