Mar 21 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

‘For a hundred million’, when three mechanics from Zaragoza kidnapped the ‘pichichi’ of the League

A new miniseries recounts the bizarre kidnapping of famous footballer Quini in Spain.

The article discusses the recent miniseries titled 'Por cien millones', which dramatizes the infamous kidnapping of footballer Enrique de Castro González, known as Quini, who was a prominent figure in Spanish football during the early 1980s. Quini was abducted at gunpoint on March 1, 1981, after a match at Camp Nou, with his captors demanding a ransom of 100 million pesetas (approximately 600,000 euros). This shocking event captured the attention of the entire country and sparked widespread speculation about the involvement of terrorist organizations such as ETA or GRAPO.

However, it was later revealed that Quini's kidnappers were three unemployed mechanics from Zaragoza who believed they could make a quick fortune. The article emphasizes the confusion and panic that ensued across Spain during the kidnapping, noting how it was not just a crime but also a significant cultural moment that resonated deeply within Spanish society. In hindsight, the director Nacho G. Velilla reflects on the incident, recalling how it marked his childhood and became a pivotal part of his creative work.

The miniseries blends elements of tragicomedy, offering a unique lens on this historic event and how it shaped public perception of crime and celebrity in Spain. It serves both as a reminder of the past and a critical examination of the motivations behind such desperate actions, highlighting the societal implications and the personal toll on those involved, including Quini, who remained a beloved figure in football.

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