Diego Orejuela

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Orejuela and the second or maternal family name is Rodríguez.

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

Diego Orejuela

Personal information
Full name	Diego Orejuela Rodríguez
Date of birth	(1962-01-20)20 January 1962
Place of birth	La Luisiana, Spain
Date of death	20 June 2024(2024-06-20) (aged 62)
Place of death	Barcelona, Spain
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Youth career
	Español
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1979–1991	Español	245	(14)
1979–1980	→ Figueres (loan)	29	(8)
1980–1981	→ Sabadell (loan)	16	(1)
1981–1982	→ Figueres (loan)
1982	→ Lleida (loan)	5	(0)
1991–1993	Palamós	66	(7)
International career
1978	Spain U18	3	(0)
1984	Spain U21	1	(0)
1984	Spain amateur	1	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

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.

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

External links

• Diego Orejuela at BDFutbol