There aren't many rivalries in world football that are as historic or as intense as El Clasico. When Barcelona and Real Madrid take to the pitch to face each other, fireworks are usually guaranteed, as are moments of magic, with two of the best teams in world football battling for supremacy.
Some of the best players in football history have played a part in the famous fixture, and all have typically been serrenanded by a chorus of boos and jeers from opposition fans as they seek to intimidate their fierce rivals. Sometimes, supporters have upped their game to even greater levels, as Luis Figo found out when a pig's head was thrown at him.
However, on a handful of occasions, individuals have put on such special performances that everyone in the stadium simply has to stand to applaud — most notably Ronaldinho and Andres Iniesta, who were both given ovations from Real Madrid supporters. Barcelona fans are seemingly harder to impress, but one player did manage to earn applause from the Blaugrana faithful - England's Laurie Cunningham.
Laurie Cunningham's Early Career
Laurie Cunningham - Leyton Orient
Stock Laurie Cunningham - Leyton Orient Mandatory Credit: Action Images
Born in Archway, North London, Cunningham's football journey started at youth side Highgate North Hill in 1968. It wasn't long until bigger clubs began to take notice of his talent, though, as Arsenal offered him a schoolboy contract just two years later.
But Cunningham never made it to the senior team at the Gunners. Released in 1972 with doubts over his future in the sport, he was eventually picked up by Leyton Orient. And it was there where he made a splash.
Making his debut in 1974 against West Ham, Cunningham made 75 appearances for the O's, scoring 15 goals. The highly-rated youngster earned a move to West Brom, becoming a key part of the 1978/79 team which challenged for the title, but standing out from his teammates. His former manager Ron Atkinson described how the winger was, "the best player Britain produced since George Best."
A special season for the Baggies saw him earn not just a first senior cap for England in 1979, but also a move to Real Madrid. Los Blancos paid £950,000 to bring Cunningham to the Santiago Bernabeu, a deal which made him the most expensive player in the club's history, and the second-most expensive player signing ever at the time, behind only Kevin Keegan.
Cunningham's Standout Performance Against Barcelona
Although Cunningham made a solid start to life in Madrid, scoring twice in his full La Liga debut against Valencia, a series of injuries prevented him from featuring more regularly for the Spanish giants at first. However, he then shot to stardom in February 1980.
Madrid made the trip to the Camp Nou for Cunningham's first El Clasico. And the Englishman ran the show, giving opposition full-back Rafa Zuviria a torrid time and helping the visitors triumph in a 2-0 victory.
His performance that day got rave reviews from teammates, opposition and media alike. Spanish outlet Marca, reporting on the match at the time, via ESPN, wrote: "Barcelona had no response to the absolute command of the black man who plays football like the angels and whose name is Cunningham - the man to whom today we take off our hats."
Teammate Miguel-Angel Portugal described him as, "a rocket." Barcelona defender Migueli hailed him as "electric." But perhaps the best tribute of them all came from the home fans, who stood to applaud Cunningham for his efforts that day. His son, Sergio, recalled how he was taken aback by the show of respect that the Blaugrana faithful showed towards his dad that day.
"My father was getting ready to take a corner when the stadium gave him a standing ovation. I've never seen anything like it in a game anywhere else in the world."
Cunningham would ultimately score eight times as they completed a league and cup double in his first season at the club, solidifying his status as one of the best British players to play in La Liga. But it was that performance at the Camp Nou which announced his arrival in Spanish football.
A Tragic Death
Laurie Cunningham
Unfortunately, though, the high wouldn't last. Cunningham suffered a broken toe during a match against Real Betis in November 1980, with an operation required. But, after receiving the all clear, he was pictured out celebrating and dancing while wearing a plaster cast.
His club were furious, handing out a 1m pesetas fine, the largest in La Liga history. And those injuries would persist as Cunningham's career in the Spanish capital went on, as knee ligament damage and a lingering issue with his toe meant that he couldn't run like he had done against Zuviria in that famous El Clasico win.
Even worse, he then rushed back from injury to participate in the 1981 European Cup final against Liverpool, having missed most of the season. But the wide player had a performance to forget, describing the match as "horrific" as the Merseysiders won 1-0.
It largely spelled the end for Cunningham's career at the Bernabeu. He played three matches in 1981/82, but then didn't play at all in the subsequent season, spending time on loan at Manchester United and reuniting with his former manager, Atkinson. The 1982/83 term would be his last as a Madridista, as he went on to spend time at Sporting Gijon, Marseille, Leicester City, Rayo Vallecano and Wimbledon.
Check out Cunningham's career path below:
Laurie Cunningham Career Path
Club
Leyton Orient
West Brom
Real Madrid
Manchester United
Sporting Gijon
Marseille
Leicester City
Rayo Vallecano
Charleroi SC
WImbledon FC
Rayo Vallecano
His short stint at Plough Lane was at least memorable, as he collected additional silverware as part of the famous Dons team which upset Liverpool to win the 1988 FA Cup final. But disaster sadly struck just a year later.
Cunningham returned to Spain, spending the 1988/89 season back at Rayo Vallecano. Having scored the goal which helped them get promoted to the Spanish top flight, he was waiting to find out if he'd be offered a new contract with the club, when he was involved a fatal car accident at just 33-years-old.
As per BBC News, Cunningham was driving in the early morning after spending the night at a party when he lost control of his vehicle. The car hit a lamppost and flipped multiple times, with the former Madrid star taken to hospital. Although his passenger survived the accident, he did not.
The death of the talented footballer was a true tragedy, and fans from 10 different clubs across four countries continue to treasure his memory. His former teammate and ex-Spain manager, Vicente del Bosque, said: "I don't think his qualities were any less than Cristiano Ronaldo." That tells you just how special he was.