Alberto Benito (footballer, born 1972)


Alberto Benito Castañeda is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a central midfielder, and the current director of football of Anorthosis Famagusta FC.

Club career

Born in Madrid, Benito made his senior debuts with Galáctico Pegaso in Tercera División, after graduating with Real Madrid's youth setup. In the 1992 summer he joined Valencia CF, being assigned to the reserves in Segunda División B.
On 23 January 1994 Benito made his first team – and La Liga – debut, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2–2 home draw against Real Oviedo. In July 1994 he moved to Segunda División side CD Toledo, being a regular starter during his spell at the Castile-La Mancha side.
In January 1999 Benito signed for Cádiz CF in the third level, retiring with the side in 2002, aged only 29.

International career

Benito represented Spain at the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship in Portugal, playing only one match in an eventual quarterfinal exit.

Post-playing career

Immediately after retiring Benito joined the Andalusians' staff, being a technical secretary at the club. On 26 June 2007 he left the club and joined neighbouring UD Almería, being named director of football.
On 9 June 2014 Benito left the latter, returning to the role roughly a year later.