Futbol

Futbol is a rare and intriguing example of early solid-state electronic (SS) pinball design from CMC Cresmatic, Sociedad Limitada, of Spain. Unfortunately, due to the unknown production year, it's challenging to pinpoint its exact place in pinball history, but its existence highlights the global reach of the industry in the 1970s and 1980s.

What sets Futbol apart is its unique gameplay features. The machine boasts four flippers and ten knock-down targets, providing players with a variety of challenges and scoring opportunities. The pièce de résistance is the moving goalkeeper, a feature that was likely meant to simulate the excitement of soccer (or football) matches. This innovative design element would have added an extra layer of engagement for players in the 1970s and 1980s.

The machine's design, art, and theme are also noteworthy. Instead of a traditional backbox, Futbol features a large non-electrical sign supported by a tubular metal frame, giving it a distinct appearance on location. The emphasis on football as a theme was likely intended to appeal to fans of the sport in Spain and other parts of Europe, but its popularity would have also relied on the growing global interest in pinball during this period. Unfortunately, there is no additional information available on Futbol's production run or any notable tournament performances it may have achieved.