Real Madrid legend José Emilio Santamaría passes away

Santamaría arrived at Real Madrid in 1957 from his native Uruguay and played for the Spanish club until 1966. He won four European Cups, one Intercontinental Cup, six La Liga titles and one Copa de España, forming part of a golden generation of the Spanish side alongside legends such as Alfredo Di Stéfano, Francisco Gento and Ferenc Puskás.

He also earned 25 caps for Uruguay (playing in the 1954 World Cup) and 16 caps for Spain (playing in the 1962 World Cup). After retiring, he excelled as manager of RCD Espanyol for seven seasons in the 1970s, later becoming Spain coach for the 1982 World Cup.

“Santamaría will always be remembered as one of the great symbols of our club," said Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. "He was part of a team that will remain in the memory of all Real Madrid fans and all football fans around the world. Alongside Di Stéfano, Puskás, Gento and Kopa, that team began to build the legend of Real Madrid.”