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.
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 97)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Leo / Snake
- Origin
- Montevideo, Montevideo Department, Uruguay
- Height
- 2 cm
- Occupation
- association football player / association football coach
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was José Santamaría born?
Born July 31, 1929 (age 97).
Where is José Santamaría from?
José Santamaría is from Montevideo, Montevideo Department, Uruguay.
What does José Santamaría do?
José Santamaría works as association football player, association football coach.
How tall is José Santamaría?
José Santamaría is 2 cm.
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 or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.