José Emilio Santamaría, Real Madrid legend and Spain coach, dies at 96
The Uruguayan-born defender won four European Cups with Real Madrid between 1957 and 1966 and later managed Spain's 1982 World Cup campaign.
8:05 AM
José Emilio Santamaría, a central defender who became one of Real Madrid's greatest players and later managed Spain's national team, died Wednesday at age 96, the club confirmed.
Santamaría was born in Uruguay to Galician parents who emigrated there in 1921. He began his football career with Club Nacional de Football in Montevideo and represented Uruguay at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland before moving to Europe.
He joined Real Madrid in 1957 and remained with the club for nine seasons until 1966, appearing in 337 official matches. During his time at the Bernabéu, Santamaría won four European Cups, six Spanish league titles, one Copa de España, and one Intercontinental Cup. He played alongside some of football's most celebrated figures, including Alfredo Di Stéfano, Luis Gento, Ferenc Puskás, Raymond Kopa, and Héctor Rial.
Real Madrid issued a statement expressing deep regret at his death. "The Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of José Emilio Santamaría, one of the greatest legends of our club and world football," the club said. Club president Florentino Pérez noted that Santamaría "will always be remembered as one of the great symbols" of Real Madrid.
After retiring as a player, Santamaría managed Spain's national team during the 1982 World Cup in Spain. That tournament ended in disappointment for the Spanish side, and the experience marked a difficult conclusion to his involvement in professional football.
In a 1985 interview, three years after leaving football, Santamaría reflected on how perceptions and circumstances change over time. "Thirty years ago, nobody wanted Coca-Cola, and look at it now. And nylon stockings... I will be able to see it because now I am 55 years old. History will recognize it," he said at the time.
Real Madrid extended condolences to his family, including his wife Nora and his children Nelson, Nora, Beatriz, José, Silvia, and Javier, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.