Benjamín Zarandona

Benjamín Zarandona Esono (born 2 March 1976), known simply as Benjamín, is an Equatoguinean retired footballer who played as a midfielder.
He spent most of his professional career in Spain, notably with Betis where he remained nine years, winning one Copa del Rey and appearing in 194 official games.
Over the course of 12 seasons, Benjamín amassed La Liga totals of 244 games and 18 goals, also representing in the competition Valladolid and Cádiz.

Valladolid

Born in Valladolid, Castile and León, Benjamín began his career with Real Valladolid, playing initially for the reserves in Segunda División B. His first-team debut took place on 2 April 1995 in a 0–3 away loss against Real Sociedad, and he would make a further nine La Liga appearances during that season.

The highlight of Benjamín's career at Valladolid was helping the club qualify for the 1997–98 UEFA Cup as seventh in the league, scoring home braces against CD Logroñés (2–1) and Valencia CF (4–1).

Betis

In 1998, Benjamín joined Real Betis, playing in 28 games in his first year and making four appearances in the team's UEFA Cup run, netting twice. Additionally, he spent the 2000–01 campaign helping the Andalusians achieve promotion from Segunda División, alongside neighbours Sevilla FC.

After appearing in 26 league matches in 2004–05, as Betis achieved qualification honours to the UEFA Champions League and lifted the Copa del Rey, Benjamín went on loan to Cádiz CF for the 2005–06 season, and his role at the former would gradually lose importance onwards: he was unregistered for over a year, and a mutual termination of his contract was agreed in the summer of 2007.

Later years

Benjamín joined second level side Xerez CD for 2007–08, but lasted only a few months, being released. In September 2008, he signed with CF Palencia from Tercera División, continuing to compete in amateur football until his retirement in June 2013.

In 1998, Benjamín helped the Spanish under-21s win the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. However, in 2004, he switched allegiances and, as his younger brother Iván who also played for Valladolid, opted to represent Equatorial Guinea.

Benjamín's father is Basque, and his mother is from Equatorial Guinea. Despite his Basque parentage, he was never approached by Athletic Bilbao nor did he play for Euskadi.

Club

Betis

• Copa del Rey: 2004–05

Country

Spain U21

• UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 1998

• Dani delivers for Betis; UEFA.com, 12 June 2005
• 1998: Iván Pérez applies finishing touch; at UEFA.com