The Spaniard won the European Cup with Steve McManaman and co in 2000
Tributes have been paid to former Real Madrid star Javier Dorado who passed away aged 48 after a long cancer battle.
The Spanish full-back came through the Los Blancos academy system in 1996 before he made his first team debut in 1999 against Valencia. Under the guidance of coach Vicente del Bosque he clinched the Champions League a season later with ex-Liverpool winger Steve McManaman in a 3-0 victory, also against Valencia.
Dorado was reduced to a bit-part role the following season after the arrival of Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos. He went on loan to UD Salamanca and Sporting Gijon, before leaving for Rayo Vallecano on a permanent deal. He also played for Mallorca and Atletico Baleares before retiring in 2012 at 35. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Dorado had been battling cancer since 2022.
Real Madrid’s statement read: “Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Javier Dorado. We would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his team-mates, all his loved ones and all the clubs he was a part of. During the two seasons he played for Real Madrid, Javier Dorado won one European Cup, the Eighth in Paris (2000).”
A La Liga statement read: “#LALIGA wishes to convey its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Javier Dorado. Rest in peace.”
Former club Mallorca also paid tribute, adding: “We deeply regret the loss of Javier Dorado, a former player of the club. We send our condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Sporting Gijon’s statement read: “Real Sporting de Gijón expresses its sorrow at the death of former player Javier Dorado Bielsa this Thursday, February 27, at the age of 48. The Club joins in the grief of his family and loved ones, to whom it sends its deepest condolences.”