Spain’s former Real Madrid player, Francisco “Paco” Gento, the only football player to win six European Cup titles, has died aged 88.
The club announced Gento’s passing on Tuesday but did not give a cause of death.
The current “Los Blancos” (“The Whites”) squad fell silent at training as a mark of respect to the former club favourite.
Gento played with Madrid for 18 seasons, from 1953 to 1971, and his 23 titles with the club in official competitions is a record he shares with Brazilian defender Marcelo, who tied him on Sunday by winning the Spanish Super Cup.
In addition to the six European Cups, Gento also helped Madrid win 12 Spanish league titles.
He played 600 games with the club, scoring 182 goals. He was later named honorary president of the club.
Gento also made 43 appearances with the Spanish national team.
“Paco Gento truly represents all the values of Real Madrid, and has been and will continue to be a reference for Madridistas and for the sporting world,” the club said in a statement. “He will always be remembered by Madridistas and all football fans as one of their greatest.”
Gento is survived by his wife, Mari Luz, and his sons Francisco and Julio.
