UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
Favourite team

Madrid midfielder De la Red retires at 25

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Real Madrid CF midfielder Rubén de la Red has accepted medical advice and retired from football aged 25 due to a heart problem, but he will remain with the club as a coach.

Rubén de la Red has retired at 25 due to a heart condition
Rubén de la Red has retired at 25 due to a heart condition ©Getty Images

Real Madrid CF midfielder Rubén de la Red has retired from football at the age of 25 after spending the last two years sidelined with a heart problem.

De la Red collapsed on the pitch during a Copa del Rey tie at Real Unión Club on 30 October 2008 and has since undergone intensive tests to determine the extent of the problem. Club medics advised the player against returning to action, but an emotional De la Red announced he would be staying at Madrid in a coaching capacity.

"I am really pleased about the new opportunity I have been given," said the three-times Spanish international. "I always dreamed of being a player and winning things here. Now I want to do that as a coach. Although I have a problem with my heart, it will always remain with Madrid."

A graduate of Madrid's youth system, De la Red scored one goal in 17 Liga appearances for the Merengues. However, his most memorable season came on loan at Getafe CF, helping them reach the UEFA Cup quarter-finals and the Copa del Rey final. Those displays earned him a place in Spain's victorious UEFA EURO 2008 squad.

© 1998-2024 UEFA. All rights reserved. Last updated: Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Selected for you

Seventy up for European goal king Inzaghi
Live 04/11/2010

Seventy up for European goal king Inzaghi

Filippo Inzaghi's AC Milan were denied a victory against Real Madrid CF but the 37-year-old had the consolation of a new goalscoring milestone and a hug from José Mourinho.
Bayern, Chelsea and Madrid advance, Marseille set mark
Live 03/11/2010

Bayern, Chelsea and Madrid advance, Marseille set mark

FC Bayern München, Chelsea FC and – dramatically – Real Madrid CF became the first teams through from the group stage while Olympique de Marseille rewrote the competition record books.
Allegri bemoans late Madrid equaliser
Live 03/11/2010

Allegri bemoans late Madrid equaliser

Massimiliano Allegri described the closing stages of AC Milan's 2-2 draw with Real Madrid CF as "a real mess" after his team were denied a valuable Group G victory by Pedro León's late goal.
Last-ditch León takes Madrid through in Milan
Live 03/11/2010

Last-ditch León takes Madrid through in Milan

AC Milan 2-2 Real Madrid CFPedro León struck a 94th-minute equaliser after Filippo Inzaghi had turned the game on its head as José Mourinho's side advanced to the last 16.
Allegri backing Milan to bounce back
Live 02/11/2010

Allegri backing Milan to bounce back

Massimiliano Allegri said his AC Milan team "have everything needed to win" as they host Real Madrid CF, whose coach José Mourinho returns to a city where he enjoyed plenty of success.