José Emilio Santamaría Passes Away at 96: A Pillar of Real Madrid’s Golden Era

Real Madrid's captain Jose Santamaria, with teammates Rogelio Dominguez (2nd L) and Alfredo Di Stefano (C) standing next to him, holds aloft the European Champions Cup, after his team defeated Reims (France) 2-0 in the final 03 May 1959 in Stuttgart. AFP PHOTO (Photo by STAFF / AFP) (Photo by STAFF/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Real Madrid has lost one of the defining figures of its greatest generation. José Emilio Santamaría, a cornerstone of the club’s golden era and one of the finest defenders in its history, has passed away at the age of 96.

His death marks the end of a life deeply intertwined with football at the highest level—first as a commanding center-back, later as a coach, and always as a symbol of what Real Madrid represents.

A Defensive Leader in a Legendary Team

Born in Montevideo in 1929, Santamaría’s journey began at Nacional, where he developed into one of Uruguay’s most promising defenders. After impressing on the international stage—most notably at the 1954 World Cup—Real Madrid moved to secure his signature in 1957.

That decision would prove transformative.

Over nine seasons in Madrid, Santamaría made 337 appearances and became the defensive anchor of a team that defined an era. Alongside icons like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás, Paco Gento, and Raymond Kopa, he helped shape the identity of a side that dominated Europe.

His list of honors reflects that dominance: four European Cups (1958, 1959, 1960, 1966), six La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and the 1960 Intercontinental Cup. While the attacking brilliance of his teammates often stole the spotlight, Santamaría’s role at the back was indispensable—organizing, leading, and providing the stability that allowed Madrid’s stars to flourish.

He was, in many ways, the marshal of that team’s defense.

A Career That Spanned Continents

Despite building his legacy in Spain, Santamaría never lost touch with his roots. He remained deeply connected to Uruguay throughout his life, having first risen to prominence with Nacional, where he won multiple league titles and earned legendary status.

Internationally, he represented both Uruguay and later Spain—a reflection of how fully he integrated into his adopted country. He featured in the 1954 World Cup with Uruguay and later played for Spain, including appearances at the 1962 World Cup.

From Player to Coach

After retiring in 1966, Santamaría transitioned into coaching, beginning within Real Madrid’s youth system before embarking on a notable managerial career.

He took charge of Espanyol, where he became the longest-serving coach in the club’s history, managing 252 matches and coming close to a league title in the early 1970s. His influence extended to the international stage as well—he coached Spain’s Olympic teams in 1968 and 1980, and later managed the senior national team at the 1982 World Cup on home soil.

Though his stint with Spain did not produce the results he would have hoped for, his contribution to Spanish football remained significant.

A Life of Loyalty and Presence

Even in his later years, Santamaría’s connection to Real Madrid never faded. He was a regular presence at the Santiago Bernabéu, attending matches and maintaining close ties with the club. Florentino Pérez held him in particularly high regard, recognizing both his achievements and his enduring loyalty.

In a statement, the club paid tribute to one of its greatest figures:

“Real Madrid CF, its president, and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of José Emilio Santamaría, one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football. (…) For Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, ‘Santamaría will always be remembered as one of the great symbols of our club. He was part of a team that will remain in the memory of all Madridistas and all football fans around the world. Alongside Di Stéfano, Puskás, Gento, and Kopa, that team began to build the Real Madrid myth. Santamaría always exemplified the values of our club, and until his last moment, Real Madrid was the great passion of his life. Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his wife Nora, his children Nelson, Nora, Beatriz, José, Silvia, and Javier, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and all his family, colleagues, and loved ones.'”