The world of football is mourning the loss of legendary Spanish goalkeeper and coach José Manuel Ochotorena, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 64 after a long illness.
A former player for Real Madrid (winning three LaLiga titles and two UEFA Cups) and a hero at Valencia (where he won the Zamora Trophy), Ochotorena became equally renowned as a goalkeeping coach.
He was a key part of Liverpool’s backroom staff during their historic 2005 Champions League triumph under Rafa Benítez.
Furthermore, he served as the Spanish national team’s goalkeeping coach for nearly two decades (2004-2021), helping them secure the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships.
Both Real Madrid and Valencia released statements regretting the loss of a club legend.
Current Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili—who worked with Ochotorena at Valencia—paid a poignant tribute, calling him an “amazing person” and crediting him with convincing him to sign for the Reds.
“Your legacy will live on forever in all of us who were fortunate enough to learn from you,” Mamardashvili wrote.
