Former Espanyol and Auxerre striker Michel Pineda dies at 62

Michel Pineda, a Franco-Spanish striker who captivated Espanyol Barcelona supporters in the 1980s, has died at the age of 62 following a heart attack. The Catalan club announced the news on Friday.

Born in Gien, in the Loiret, to parents from Spain’s Basque Country, Pineda began his professional career in France under Guy Roux at AJ Auxerre. Between 1982 and 1984, he made seven appearances in the Burgundy shirt, scoring a goal on his first start.

It was in Catalonia that his trajectory took on historic significance. Signed by Espanyol Barcelona in 1984, he spent six successful seasons there (1984-1990), making 233 official appearances and scoring 73 goals. His name remains associated with the club’s European run during the 1987-1988 season, which concluded with a UEFA Cup final. This golden period also saw him crowned European champion with Spain’s Under-23 team in 1986.

Returning to France, Pineda joined Sporting Club de Toulon from 1990 to 1993, where he scored 19 goals in 103 matches. His former Toulon teammate Luigi Alfano, quoted by Var-Matin, remembers him as both an endearing and competitive man: “He always had a smile on his face, I never saw him sulk, even when he was on the bench. He was a really great guy, and someone who enjoyed life.”

Pineda finished his career in Spain, playing for Racing Santander (1993-1994, 14 goals), Lleida (1994-1995) and Deportivo Alavés (1995-1996). Espanyol Barcelona paid tribute to him, hailing “one of the most beloved players of his generation”: “Rest in peace. Glory to the heroes of Espanyol.”