José Emilio Santamaría, a monumental figure in football history, has passed away at 96. His death is mourned by fans worldwide and especially by Real Madrid, where he left a profound legacy.
Tributes from Real Madrid
Real Madrid C. F. expressed deep sorrow over Santamaría’s passing. The club’s president, Florentino Pérez, highlighted Santamaría as a symbol of excellence and dedication. He stated, “Santamaría will always be remembered as one of the great symbols of our club.”
Career Highlights
- Entry into Real Madrid: Santamaría joined in 1957 from Club Nacional de Football, Uruguay.
- Tenure: He played for Real Madrid for nine years, from 1957 to 1966.
- Achievements:
- 4 European Cups
- 1 Intercontinental Cup
- 6 La Liga titles
- 1 Copa del Rey
- Match Appearances: Santamaría played 337 matches with the club.
He was integral to the legendary team that won consecutive European Cups, setting the foundation for Real Madrid’s illustrious history.
International Career
- Santamaría represented Uruguay 25 times and Spain 16 times.
- He participated in the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland and the 1962 World Cup in Chile.
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Santamaría transitioned to coaching. He began in the Real Madrid youth system and later coached:
- Spain’s Olympic Team: Led the team in the 1968 Mexico Olympics and the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
- National Team: Served as head coach during the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
- R. C. D. Espanyol: Managed for seven seasons, appearing in 252 matches—the most in the club’s history.
José Emilio Santamaría’s contributions to football, especially at Real Madrid, will be remembered fondly. The club extends condolences to his family and the entire Madridista community during this difficult time. Rest in peace, José Emilio Santamaría.
