Overview
- Real Madrid confirmed his death Wednesday, with president Florentino Pérez calling him one of the club’s greatest legends.
- He anchored Madrid from 1957 to 1966, making 337 appearances and winning four European Cups, six La Liga titles, the Intercontinental Cup, and the Copa del Rey.
- Born in Uruguay, he represented both Uruguay and Spain, earning 25 and 16 caps respectively, and played at the 1954 and 1962 World Cups.
- After retiring in 1966, he coached Real Madrid’s youth teams, led Spain’s Olympic sides in 1968 and 1980, managed Espanyol in a club‑record 252 matches, and guided Spain at the 1982 World Cup.
- The club did not share a cause of death, and tributes have highlighted his reputation as “The Wall” and his lasting bond with the Bernabéu.