Canito (footballer, born 1956)

José Cano López (23 April 1956 – 25 November 2000), known as Canito, was a Spanish footballer who played during the 1970s and 1980s.

In his professional career, amongst others, the defensive midfielder represented both major teams in Barcelona, Espanyol and FC Barcelona, albeit with little impact at the latter.

Club career
Born in Llavorsí, Lleida, Catalonia, Canito began playing professionally with RCD Espanyol. After serving two loans, at UE Lleida and Cádiz CF, he moved permanently to the first team.

After solid displays in the 1978–79 season, Canito signed with Espanyol's neighbours FC Barcelona. He helped the side to win the Copa del Rey in his second year, but was also ostracised following an incident involving his main team Espanyol: as they were fighting to avoid relegation from La Liga against Hércules CF, he was warming up in the sidelines for Barcelona, and celebrated when the Pericos netted the goal which led to salvation, to the fury of the crowd at the Camp Nou.

Canito then returned to his main club as part of the deal that sent goalkeeper Urruti in the opposite direction, but left after only one year after falling out with coach José María Maguregui. He subsequently represented Real Betis, Real Zaragoza and also spent one season in Portugal with C.F. Os Belenenses after which he moved back to his country, retiring in amateur football at the age of 32.

International career
Canito earned his sole cap for Spain on 21 December 1978, playing the last 20 minutes of the 1–0 friendly defeat to Italy in Rome.

Death
After retiring, Canito fell into a severe drug addiction. Even though he was aided psychologically and economically by Barcelona and Espanyol's Veterans Associations, he could not recover, and was found dead in his sister's home in La Pobla de Montornès, Province of Tarragona, on 25 November 2000; he was only 44 years old.

Honours
Barcelona
 * Copa del Rey: 1980–81