Real Madrid legend Paco Gento passes away at 88

Real Madrid icon Paco Gento has passed away at the age of 88. The club announced his demise in an official club statement today: 

“Real Madrid would like to express its condolences, and its love and affection, to his wife Mari Luz, his sons Francisco and Julio, his granddaughters Aitana and Candela and all his relatives, colleagues and loved ones,” a statement read.

“He will always be remembered by Madridistas and all football fans as one of their greatest.”

Paco Gento passes away at 88 

During his playing days, Paco Gento featured on the left-wing and is the only player to have won six European cups in his career. Gento donned the famous white shirt between 1953 and 1971, spending 18 years with them. 

His contributions during his playing days were vital in shaping Real Madrid as the best club in the world, and dominating European football in its first few years. Gento is tied with Marcelo for the most trophies in Real Madrid’s history, at 23. The Brazilian only recently matched the number with the Supercopa de Espana. 

Paco Gento made 600 appearances for Real Madrid, and scored 182 goals for them. He also helped them win 12 La Liga titles (also a record achievement), two Copa del Rey trophies and one Intercontinental Cup. 

Hailed as one of the greatest Spanish players ever, Gento was capped 43 times as a Spain international and represented his country at the 1962 and 1966 World Cups.