Real Madrid legend and honorary president, Paco Gento, died on Juanuary 18, aged 88. A key name in Real Madrid's illustrious history, Gento played for Galacticos for 18 years and was part of a legendary generation of players who changed Real Madrid history, making it the most prestigious and admired around the world. Real Madrid also made an official announcement about this sad news.
“Real Madrid C. F., the club's president and the Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the death of Francisco Gento, honorary president of Real Madrid and one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football.
Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and send its love and sympathy to his wife Mari Luz, to his sons Francisco and Julio, to his granddaughters Aitana and Candela and to all his relatives, teammates and loved ones.
Paco Gento is the only player in the history of football to have won the European Cup 6 times. He represented our club between 1953 and 1971, and in his 18 seasons at Real Madrid he won not only the 6 European Cups, but also 12 Leagues, 2 Spanish Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 1 Mini World Cup and 2 Latin Cups. He played 600 games for Real Madrid, scoring 182 goals. Gento was also capped 43 times by the Spanish national team.
Paco Gento truly represents all the values of Real Madrid, and has been and will continue to be a reference for madridistas and for the sporting world. He will always be remembered by madridistas and all football fans as one of their greatest.
Francisco Gento passed away at the age of 88. Real Madrid would also like to express its condolences to all Real Madrid members and fans”, the official website wrote.
The Martínez Valero observed a minute's silence prior to kick-off in the game between Real Madrid and Elche in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, in memory of Paco Gento, who passed away on Tuesday. Our team's players also wore black armbands during the game. Another one will be held on Sunday night as Real Madrid and Elche will meet each other again for the 22nd La Liga Matchday.
Not much is needed to speak about him. His achievements and fame can speak for him. An instrumental figure in the Real Madrid club legend, playing for our club from 1953 to 1971, Francisco Gento López passed away at the age of 88. During eighteen years he won an unprecedented number of trophies. He won 6 European Cups, making him a truly unique player in the history of football. He also won 12 Leagues, 1 Intercontinental, 2 Latin Cups, 2 Spanish Cups and 1 Mini World Cup. He was named honorary president of the club in 2016 due to his contribution to Real Madrid.
With a superb physique and incredible speed, Gento was often considered the best left winger in the world during his time. As well as his spectacular qualities as a player, he was the bridge between two legendary generations at Real Madrid: the first five European Cups and the "yeyé" team.
A little history about his amazing career
Start with Di Stéfano: Gento was born on 21 October 1933 in Guarnizo (Cantabria) and arrived at Real Madrid in the 1953/54 season from Racing Santander, the same season that Di Stéfano joined our team and together they transformed Real Madrid into the best club in the world. They won the league in their first season and kicked off a golden era for madridismo. The best players in the world wore our jersey and the forward line of Kopa, Rial, Di Stéfano, Puskas and Gento is considered the greatest even.
Since the creation of the European Cup in 1955, the Gento is the only player to have won the trophy six times. He was first part of the magnificent team that won five in a row from 1956 to 1960 and then captained Real Madrid yeyé in 1966.
Gento was in the starting line-up for Real Madrid's first six European Cup finals, scoring in two of them. In the second, he scored the second goal in the 2-0 win against Fiorentina in a final played at the Santiago Bernabéu. He proved even more instrumental in the third, when his extra-time goal settled a tough encounter against Milan.
Eight finals: He played in two more European Cup finals in his career, taking his total to eight, a competition record shared with Paolo Maldini. They came in 1962 against Benfica and 1964 against Inter Milan. He played 88 European Cup matches, scoring 31 times.
Recognitions: Throughout his long career, he exemplified dedication and devotion to Real Madrid and became the first player in the history of the club to play 600 official matches, scoring 182 goals. His importance in our history meant that he succeeded Alfredo Di Stéfano as honorary president of the club. In 1963, Gento was recognised by world football when he was part of the FIFA team that played against England in the centenary of the English Football Association. His countless sporting achievements also led to him being decorated with the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit, as well as other honours.
National team and coaching career: Gento played 43 times for the Spanish national team and was involved in two World Cups, in 1962 and 1966. Following his playing career, he coached Real Madrid's youth teams and also coached Castellón, Palencia and Granada in the Second Division.
Farewell Paco,
Hasta siempre!
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