Real Madrid and the world of European Football is mourning today, as legendary left-winger Francisco ‘Paco’ Gento has passed away at the age of 88.
In a statement released earlier today, Real Madrid commended the fallen great:
“Paco Gento faithfully represents all of the values of Real Madrid and has been a role model for Madridismo and the world of sport. Real Madrid fans and all football fans will always remember him as one of its great icons.”
Gento spent 18 years with Real from 1953-1971. Gento appeared in 600 competitions, scoring 182 goals en route to 12 LaLiga crowns, two Copa del Rey titles, and one Intercontinental Cup.
He is the only player to have won six European Cups, and his 50-year record 23 trophies had just been eclipsed by left-back Marcelo Vieira in this past weekend’s Spanish Super Cup win.
The football great was named honorary president of Real Madrid in 2016, two years after a fellow football legend, Alfredo Di Stefano had passed away at the same age.
Speaking on the matter, Madrid president Florentino Perez stated:
“[Gento] became one of our club’s greatest legends and was a part of a generation of legendary players who changed Real Madrid’s history, making it the most prestigious and admired club in the world. Together with Santiago Bernabeu and Di Stefano, Puskas, Kopa, Rial, Santamaria, Santisteban, Amancio, Pirri, and Araquistain among others, Gento was part of a mythical team for everyone who loves football.”
The Spaniard will be missed.
Real Madrid Legend ‘Paco’ passes away at 88
