The Spanish-Uruguayan former footballer José Emilio Santamaría has passed away this Wednesday at the age of 96, as confirmed by Real Madrid in a statement in which it expresses its “deep sorrow” for the loss of one of the most important figures in its history.
The white club has defined Santamaría as “one of the greatest legends” of Real Madrid and of world football, highlighting his role in one of the team's most glorious stages.
Pillar of Madrid that changed the history of European football
Santamaría was a key piece of Real Madrid that dominated Europe in its beginnings, forming part of the team that conquered the first European Cups consecutively.
During his time at the club, he played 337 official matches and lifted an extraordinary list of honors:
- 4 European Cups
- 1 Intercontinental Cup
- 6 Leagues
- 1 Spanish Cup
His figure is directly associated with the birth of Real Madrid as a global power and with the beginning of its continental hegemony.
From historic player to Spain's coach
In addition to his career as a footballer, Santamaría also played a relevant role as national coach.
He managed Spain in the 1982 World Cup, held precisely on Spanish territory, in one of the most important events of international football of the era.
The farewell to a key figure in the history of Real Madrid
With his passing disappears one of the last representatives of the generation that built the identity of Real Madrid in Europe.
Santamaría was not only a successful player, but one of the names that helped define the competitive model and the international ambition of the club.