Biography
Rafael Pascual Cortés (Madrid, 1970), known as “El Toro”, is regarded as the greatest player in the history of Spanish volleyball. He came through the ranks at Salesianos de Atocha and made his debut for the national team aged just 18. He wore the national jersey in more than 500 matches, more than any other Spanish volleyball player, and played at the Barcelona 1992 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
At the 1998 World Championship in Japan he was named the tournament's best player and top scorer. In 2007 he crowned his career with European gold in Moscow, the first major title for the Spanish national team.
His club career spanned more than 25 years and took him to seven countries. In Cuneo (Italy) he won a CEV Cup, two Cup Winners' Cups, a European Supercup and two Italian Cups, and was the top scorer in Serie A several times. Since retiring in 2011 he has remained closely involved in volleyball and with his teammates at Master Volley Spain.
Achievements
- European champion with Spain · 2007
- MVP of the World Championship · 1998
- Top scorer at the World Championship · 1998
- Top scorer at the World Cup · 1999
- Barcelona Olympic Games (Olympic diploma) · 1992
- Sydney Olympic Games · 2000
- CEV Cup with Cuneo · 1996
- Cup Winners' Cup with Cuneo · 1997 and 1998
- European Supercup with Cuneo · 1998
- Italian Cup with Cuneo · 1996 and 1999
- King's Cup with Unicaja Almería · 1995
- Top scorer in the Italian Serie A · 1995, 1997, 1998 and 1999
- Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit · 1999
Clubs
- Salesianos Atocha (1985-1988)
- ACD Bomberos (1988-1991)
- Son Amar Palma (1991-1992)
- Unicaja Almería (1992-1993)
- Banca di Sassari (1993-1995)
- Unicaja Almería (1995)
- Alpitour Traco Cuneo (1995-2000)
- Panasonic Panthers Osaka (2000-2001)
- Icom Latina (2001-2002)
- Pet Company Perugia (2002-2003)
- Gioia del Colle (2003-2005)
- Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia (2005-2006)
- Materdomini Castellana Grotte (2006-2008)
- CSKA Sofía (2008-2009)
- AS Orange Nassau (2009-2011)