Real Madrid Legend José Emilio Santamaría Dies at 96

José Emilio Santamaría, a prominent figure in Real Madrid's illustrious history, has died at the age of 96. Born in Uruguay, he joined Real Madrid in 1957 after playing for the Uruguayan club Nacional.

Santamaría was part of a legendary team alongside icons like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás, Francisco Gento, and Raymond Kopa. During his time at Real Madrid, he won four European Cups (1958, 1959, 1960, 1966) and six La Liga titles, contributing significantly to the club's success.

He also represented Uruguay 25 times and later became a naturalized Spaniard. Santamaría played in the 1962 World Cup for Spain and subsequently took on the role of coach for the national team in the 1982 World Cup.

Real Madrid's president, Florentino Pérez, expressed the club's mourning for one of its greatest legends, highlighting Santamaría's impact on football.