Telmo Zarraonandia, often called Zara, stands as a towering figure in Spanish football. The record holder for the top scorer in the Spanish league for seven decades, his name is synonymous with legend. He excelled with Athletic Bilbao and the national team, winning acclaim as the six-time top scorer in the King’s Cup and earning the title as Spain’s all-time top scorer. He blasted a memorable goal against England during the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, a strike that helped elevate Spain into the world’s elite. His career is marked by a string of milestones, including the distinction of being one of the most prolific scorers in the history of both the First and Second Divisions and recognition with the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit.
Zarra’s legacy extends beyond his goals. His granddaughter Adriana Bilbao, a choreographer, created a tribute piece to honor his memory. The work blends anecdotes from his origins with Zara as the constant narrator, produced by Adriana Bilbao’s company, Cía Adriana Bilbao. The show has toured internationally and recently enjoyed a stay at the Reina Victoria Theater in Madrid, where it ran through August.
“I wanted my grandfather’s voice to be there and direct the scenes.”
The choreographer shared a deeply personal connection with her grandfather. From the outset of his professional journey, she felt compelled to honor him through a project that would finally come together. The centennial anniversary of his birth in 2021 inspired the concept, and the premiere eventually took place at the Teatro Arriaga in Bilbao in November 2022 after a delay caused by events in the preceding years.
She did not embark on this alone. An intimate group of dancers and a supportive cast joined the effort, reflecting the harmony that defined the early years of her career. The Madrid-based Maria de Avila Dance Conservatory contributed performers who anchored the production. The sense of calm amid the whirlwind of this project proved essential, as a shared vision kept the process moving forward.
“I think it’s an original proposal. It feels special because of the personal history that surrounds it.”
Tatiana Cuevas and Gabriel Matías appear in the performance, with a nine-dancer cast, a deliberate choice by Adriana to echo the weight Zarra carried on the field. Both dancers speak of the chance to portray a grandfather’s legacy with care and affection, and they express gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful project. The production emphasizes teamwork, both in football and in flamenco, to counterbalance any ego-driven tendencies and to convey a shared spirit.
The show explores creative terrain by marrying two seemingly distant worlds: football and flamenco. The result is a distinctive artistic fusion that invites audiences to see the athletic and cultural heritage through a new lens.
preparation techniques
The team dedicated substantial effort to translating ideas to stage. The process included visual research and sound design that guided the body language of the football icon, making the performance feel authentic. Rehearsals occurred across Bilbao, with a close-up view of how the first team trains at Lezama, helping the troupe gain insider insights into the club’s history. A member of the club’s technical staff offered guidance on posture and the bearing needed for professionals to emulate a footballer on stage. Adriana describes the fusion as a powerful exchange, saying flamenco connects naturally with football through the body’s language.
“It took a long time to bring this project to life. It took four or five years from the initial idea to completion, with editing beginning nearly two years before the premiere.”
The ultimate aim of the bailaora is to illuminate what made Zara a legend. The performance honors his on-field nobility and his humanity. The show presents a portrait of strength, dignity, and courage, carried like a noble lion on the stage. The creator acknowledges the personal strain of telling such an intimate story, yet the onstage dialogue maintains a balance between reverence and revelation. Adriana dances solo at moments, guided by Zara’s own reflections on the grandchild who became part of the narrative. The emotional core lies in the bond that transcends generations.
Upcoming appearances include Gexto in Vizcaya in October and Sevilla in December, with the hope of extending performances into 2024.
A legend celebrated for humanitarian and sporting values
During a 1949 match against Málaga, a moment of pure instinct showcased Zara’s poise. While chasing a loose ball with Arnau, the midfielder took a risky challenge and ended up off-balance. Zarra stayed composed, positioned perfectly in front of the goal, and delivered a decisive goal that sealed the outcome. A similar sequence occurred with defender Ponte against Deportivo in La Coruña: at a critical moment, Zara chose to stop play to preserve dignity and fairness, underscoring his character beyond mere scorelines.