About Santiago Cañizares José Santiago Cañizares Ruiz (born December 18, 1969 in Puertollano, Ciudad Real) is a retired Spanish footballer, who played as a goalkeeper. He finished his career at Valencia CF, where he appeared in more than 400 official games since 1998. At his prime, he was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Prior to Euro 2004, legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said that he regarded Cañizares as the finest goalkeeper in world football.