Estanislau Basora was a former forward of the 1940's and 1950's era. He was quite a versatile player, with the ability to operate as a striker or winger. In a career that spanned over 15 years, the Spaniard played for the likes of Manresa, Barcelona, and Lleida. Additionally, he represented Spain in the 1950 World Cup.

Club career

Basora was born in Colonia Valls, Barcelona, Catalonia. After a stint at his neighboring clun CE Manresa, the Spaniard joined FC Barcelona in 1946. His debut came against Celta de Vigo on 22nd September, with the match ending in a 1-1. However, he went on to only make three appearances for the club that season.

The years that followed saw the rise of Basora at Barca. He began a constant presence in the starting eleven, won four titles from 1947 to 1949. These included two national championships, for which Basora contributed immensely. Under manager Enrique Fernández, Basora managed to score 20 goals in just 51 games. He was an integral part of Barcelona's legendary side at the time. This team included the likes of star players César, László Kubala, Eduardo Manchón, Mariano Martín and Moreno. Basora had also scored the opening goal in the 1949 Latin Cup final, which Barca won 2–1 against Sporting Lisbon.

Basora was pivotal in Barca's legendary 1951–52 season, as the Blaugrana clinched five titles. The Spanish forward scored 8 goals in the league, while also scoring in their 4-2 Copa del Generalísimo ( now Copa del Rey ) final victory over Valencia CF.

Another interesting fact is that he was loaned out for one of his twelve years at Barca. He played for Spanish side UE Lleida during the 1955-56 campaign. The legendary Barca striker called it a time in 1959, at the age of 33. He scored 103 goals in 301 appearances.

His legacy at Barcelona was celebrated in 1975, as the club were celebrating their 75th anniversary. Basora was included in their all-time best XI, thus forever establishing himself in their history book of legends.

International career

During his 8 year national stint, Basora played in 22 games and scored 13 goals for Spain. He even scored on his debut, in Spain's 4-1 win over Republic of Ireland. A week later, Basora scored a hat trick within fifteen minutes against France at the Stade de Colombes. After seeing his heroic feats, the French press labeled him as The Monster of Colombes.

Basora was part of the Spanish team for the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He had linked up with legendary forward Telmo Zarra in the tournament. The Barca striker had a legendary performance in the opening game against the United States. Spain were 0–1 down with just ten minutes to go, before Basora scored twice inside a minute. Zarra then added a third for the game to finish 3–1.

The duo then combined brilliantly in the coming matches to help Spain. Basora and Zarra were instrumental in helping Spain beat the likes of Chile and England. Uruguay awaited them in the next round.

Although Zarra and Basora yet again combined to help Spain level the game 1-1, the game eventually ended in a 2-2 draw. Unfortunately, Spain went on to lose their next two games and finished the tournament in fourth place.

Basora II and his death

Basora had a younger brother named Joaquín, who was also a footballer. He was nicknamed as Basora II, and played for the likes of CD Condal and Sporting de Gijón. 

On 16 March 2012, days after having suffered a heart attack, Basora died at the University Hospital of Las Palmas. He was 85 years old. His legacy in football will forever be remembered.