Photo: Croes, Rob C. Nationaal Archief, Den Haag, Rijksfotoarchief: Fotocollectie Algemeen Nederlands Fotopersbureau (ANEFO), 1945-1989 - negatiefstroken zwart/wit, nummer toegang 2.24.01.05, bestanddeelnummer 928-9256 / CC0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
José Santamaría earns my deepest respect. Eighteen years across Nacional and Real Madrid, twelve trophies including four European Cups, all anchored from the unglamorous heart of defence. What fascinates me most is his dual international identity, representing both Uruguay and Spain at a time when crossing footballing borders was rare. Defenders rarely get the romance that strikers do, but I have always believed the great centre-backs are the true spine of a side. His passing in 2026 closed a chapter on a golden era, and I find myself drawn far more to his quiet command than to any flashier contemporary.
Overview
José Emilio Santamaría Iglesias (31 July 1929 – 15 April 2026) was a professional football player and manager. A central defender, he spent his 18-year club career with Nacional and Real Madrid, winning 12 titles with the latter including four European Cups. Born in Uruguay, Santamaría represented both the Uruguay and Spain national teams.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- José Santamaría
- Name (Japanese)
- ホセ・サンタマリア
- Reading
- ほせ・さんたまりあ
- Born
- July 31, 1929 (age 96)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Leo / Snake
- Origin
- Montevideo, Montevideo Department, Uruguay
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- 2 cm
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- association football player / association football coach
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Private
- University
- Private
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Association football player — see all → · Association football coach — see all → · More people from Uruguay →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-02
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.