Livio Bendaña Espinoza


Livio Bendaña Espinoza is a former Nicaraguan footballer and coach.

Club career

Born in Diriamba, Bendaña joined local side Diriangén in 1950 and played his first game in 1952, aged 16. His father sent him to join a US military school instead of him moving to Costa Rican team Saprissa and on his return in 1956 he went to Mexico to play for Universidad Puebla. He joined Nicaraguan side UNAN de León in 1958 and had further spells at Diriangén and in Honduras with F.C. Motagua.

International career

Nicknamed Pichichi, he played for the national team from 1952 through 1967.

Personal life

His son, Livio José Bendaña, also became a striker with the national team in the 1980s and 1990s.