MX23RW : Tuesday, April 23 17:40:11| >> :120:14506:14506:

Real Madrid legend Francisco Gento dies, aged 88

Real Madrid legend Francisco Gento dies, aged 88
© Reuters
Real Madrid announce the death of their most decorated player, Francisco Gento, at the age of 88.

Real Madrid's joint-most decorated player of all time, Francisco Gento, has died at the age of 88.

Gento spent 18 years as a Real Madrid player between 1953 and 1971 and is widely regarded as one of the best to have ever played for Los Blancos.

The Spaniard helped Madrid to a golden era during that time alongside the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas, winning the first five editions of the European Cup.

Gento was still at the club when they climbed to the top of European football again in 1966, making him the only player to have won the continent's top club trophy on six different occasions.

The former left-winger also won a record 12 La Liga titles with Madrid, and his record of 24 trophies for the club in total was only equalled at the weekend when Marcelo helped them to Spanish Super Cup glory.

"Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Francisco Gento, honorary president of Real Madrid and one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football," read a statement on the club's official website.

"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.

"The figure of Paco Gento faithfully represents all the values ​​of Real Madrid, and has been and will continue to be a benchmark for Real Madrid and for the world of sport. Madrid fans and all football fans will always remember him as one of their great legends."

In addition to holding the record for the most La Liga titles and European Cups in history, Paco Gento also appeared in a joint-record eight European Cup finals.

In total, he played 600 times for Real Madrid, placing him joint-sixth on the all-time list, while he scored 182 goals for the club.

Regarded as one of the greatest wingers of all time, Gento also won 43 caps for Spain between 1955 and 1969, scoring five goals.

ID:475629:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2691:

Click here for more stories about Francisco Gento

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool celebrate winning the 2005 Champions League after the 'Miracle of Istanbul'
Read Next:
Top 10 European Cup/Champions League finals of all time
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid32256170224881
2Barcelona32217464372770
3GironaGirona32215667402768
4Atletico MadridAtletico32194959382161
5Athletic Bilbao321610652302258
6Real Sociedad321312746341251
7Real BetisBetis32121284038248
8Valencia32138113534147
9Villarreal32119125155-442
10Getafe32913103844-640
11Osasuna32116153746-939
12Sevilla32910134145-437
13Las PalmasLas Palmas32107153039-937
14AlavesAlaves3298152838-1035
15Rayo Vallecano32713122739-1234
16Celta Vigo32710153747-1031
17Mallorca32613132638-1231
18CadizCadiz32413152245-2325
19Granada3239203361-2818
20Almeria32111203164-3314


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!