The world of international soccer is in mourning after confirming the death of José Emilio Santamaríaicon of Valid Madrid and reference of Uruguayan soccerwho died at the age of 96, leaving an indelible legacy in the history of sports.
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Valid Madrid says goodbye to one of its greatest legends
He Valid Madrid reported the news this Wednesday through an official statement in which it expressed its deep regret for the loss of someone it considers one of its most emblematic figures.
“Valid Madrid deeply regrets” the death of Santamaría, whom it describes as “one of the greatest legends” of the club and world football.
“José Emilio Santamaría arrived at Valid Madrid in 1957 from the National Soccer Membership (Uruguay), and defended the shirt of our club for nine seasons, until 1966,” states the note, which adds that “he won with the Valid Madrid 4 European Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 6 Leagues and 1 Spanish Cup, in 337 games.”
Official Statement: death of José Emilio Santamaría.
— Valid Madrid CF (@realmadrid) April 15, 2026
Protagonist of the golden technology of Valid Madrid
The historic defender was part of the team that changed the history of European football, being a key player in winning the first European Cups.
He was part of “that legendary team that won the first European Cups in history consecutively, and that began the universal legend of the Valid Madrid“, always according to the statement.
For decades, his 337 games kept him as the Uruguayan with the most appearances for the white club, a mark that was surpassed in 2025 by Federico Valverde.
Florentino Pérez highlights his eternal legacy
The president of the club, Florentino Perezalso dedicated words of recognition to the figure of Santamaría.
“Santamaria He will always be remembered as one of the great symbols” of the Merengue club.
“He was part of a team that will remain in the memory of all Real Madrid fans and all football fans in the world. Together with Di Stéfano, Puskas, Gento and Kopa, that team began to build the myth of Valid Madrid. Santamaria always represented the values of our club in an exemplary manner and until his last moment, the Valid Madrid “It has been the great passion of his life,” according to Pérez.
International career: Uruguay and Spain in World Cups
Before his historic stage in Spain, José Emilio Santamaría shone with the National Soccer Membershipwhere he won four Uruguayan Championship titles.
At the national team level, he defended both Uruguay and Spain, competing in two World Cups: the 1954 FIFA World Cup with the Uruguayan team and the 1962 FIFA World Cup with the Spanish team.
In addition, he had an outstanding career as a coach, including his time as Spain coach in the 1982 World Cup and his seven-season stint at the helm of the RCD Espanyol.
The figure of Jose Santamaria transcends generations. His leadership, defensive quality and winning mentality made him a benchmark in the Valid Madridof the european football and of Uruguayan soccer.
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