Real Madrid great Paco Gento passes away

Paco Gento, the only footballer to win six European Cups, has died aged 88, his former club Real Madrid announced on Tuesday.

Gento’s club record of 23 trophies, which stood for over 50 years, was equaled on Sunday by Real captain Marcelo when he came on as a substitute in the Super Cup victory.

Gento scored 182 goals in 600 matches, also accruing among his trophies 12 league titles and two Spanish Cups from 1953-1971.

“Real Madrid C. F., the club’s president and the Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the death of Francisco Gento, honorary president of Real Madrid and one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football,” read Real’s statement on their website.

“Paco Gento is the only player in the history of football to have won the European Cup 6 times. He will always be remembered by madridistas and all football fans as one of their greatest.”

Gento won 43 caps for Spain and represented his country in the 1962 and 1966 World Cups.

ARR