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Spain·Football·Sports

Real Madrid legend José Emilio Santamaría dies aged 96

Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 08:11 · 1 min read

José Emilio Santamaría, the Uruguayan-born defender who became one of Real Madrid's most celebrated players, died on Wednesday at the age of 96. During nine seasons at the Spanish club from 1957 to 1966, Santamaría won four European Cups, six league titles, and a Copa Intercontinental across 337 appearances, forming part of the storied side alongside Di Stéfano, Puskas, and Gento that established Real Madrid's global reputation. After retiring as a player, he went on to coach Spain's national team at the 1982 FIFA World Cup held on home soil, and holds the record for the most official matches managed in the history of RCD Espanyol (a Barcelona-based Spanish top-flight club).

Sources
El PaísMuere José Emilio Santamaría, exjugador del Real Madrid y exseleccionador de España ↗︎
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