MX23RW : Wednesday, May 18 19:55:52| >> :120:4269:4269:

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:collect3136:

Click here for more stories about Francisco Gento

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
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
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid37267480314985
2Barcelona372110668363273
3Atletico MadridAtletico37208963422168
4Sevilla371716452302267
5Real Betis371971162402264
6Real Sociedad37171193935462
7Villarreal3715111161372456
8Athletic Bilbao371413104335855
9Osasuna371211143749-1247
10Celta Vigo371210154341246
11Valencia371015124653-745
12Rayo Vallecano37119173746-942
13Espanyol371011164053-1341
14Getafe37815143238-639
15ElcheElche37109183751-1439
16Granada37813164461-1737
17CadizCadiz37715153451-1736
18Mallorca3799193463-2936
RLevante37711194774-2732
20AlavesAlaves3787223164-3331

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Match previews - Daily
Transfer Talk Daily
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!