By Manolo Rodríguez

Rogelio Sosa Ramírez has passed away at the age of 75 in Seville. A true Green and White legend. One of the biggest Real Betis' myths of all time. A great footballer who gave his entire career to the Club, where he spent 16 straight seasons, from his debut in 1962 until he retired in 1978. The main man of an era and the fans favourite because of his personality, impressive skills and unpredictable football.

Rogelio Sosa Ramírez was born in Coria del Río (Seville) on the 15th of April of 1943, but he wasn't officially registered in the census until the 2nd of May of said year, and that was his birthday in official documents.

He started playing at Victoria Balompié in his hometown and entered the Real Betis U18 team in 1957. He was loaned in the 1960-61 to Tomelloso, an amateur team, and one year later to Ponferradina, team that played in Third Division.

After this learning process, he returns to play in the first team and, on the 16th of September of 1962, he makes his debut in the first league match, under manager Fernando Daucik.

The rival is that legendary Real Madrid with Di Stefano, Puskas and Gento. The Green and White line-up for the match was: Corral, Colo, Ríos, Areta, Montaner, Bosch, Portilla, Luis, Ansola, Senekowitsch, Rogelio.

That season he played 16 games, but he barely participated the following year.

His sporting life, however, changes at the Ramón de Carranza Trophy in August 1964. He was the star of a tournament that Real Betis won. Rogelio leaves Cádiz regarded as an exceptional footballer and he was a target for FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. They tried to sign him several times.

But Real Betis is reluctant to sell and that makes an icon out of him. He is the best player of the promotion in 1967 and he was already the undisputed captain when the 70s arrive. Rogelio means everything for the fans and is the perfect example of what Betis is: different and unpredictable.

His position on the pitch keeps changing. He began as left winger but, step by step, he becomes a midfielder who controls the pace of the game. However, manager Ferenc Szusza gives him shirt number 9 and plays him as striker in many matches. Whatever his position was, Rogelio is the team's top striker for several seasons.

He outstood as an excellent free-kicks taker, curving the ball like not many did. He created great dribbles, such as the famous "the toast", and was a great penalty taker.

He was a skilful, fine player, and his left foot was famous within Spanish football, which earned him the nickname "The Mahogany Left Foot", name that is still remembered by Real Betis fans.

In September of 1974, the Club organises a tribute for the player before the kick off of the game against Wisla Krakow, and Rogelio receives an ovation on the pitch with his children.

Three years later, in 1977, he has the satisfaction of becoming Copa del Rey champion with real Betis. He played several rounds but watches the final from the bench. It is his pinnacle as team player and that's why the team gives him the cup straight away so he can lift it while carried on the shoulders of his teammates.

His last game with the team shirt was the season after in Cádiz. It is his farewell after 16 seasons in the squad, something that no other player has ever done in the institution's history.

Apart from that, Rogelio always seemed a peculiar guy and his quotes are memorable. He used to say that "running is for cowards" and that "the head is for wearing a hat." Many times, has been told that, before a crucial game at Mallorca, coach Antonio Barrios grabbed him and told him: "Rogelio, run, at least today."

In the 16 seasons when Rogelio Sosa wore the Green and White shirt, he played 357 official matches (301 league, 53 cup, 2 promotion play-off and 1 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup) and scored 92 goals.

Rogelio Sosa is the fifth goal scorer in Real Betis Balompié history.

Once his playing career was over, he began another stage at the Club's service, this time as assistant manager and team delegate, leaving a strong mark on important coaches in the Green and White history, such as Luis Carriega and, most significantly, Lorenzo Serra Ferrer.

He left in 2000 after another 20 years of service. In total, an entire life dedicated to Betis. An idol, a symbol, an example.

After a long illness, Rogelio Sosa Ramírez passed away in Seville on the 21st of March of 2019.

One of the biggest is gone. One of our own.

Rest in peace.