José Santamaría 1929 – 2026

Biography

José Santamaría was born on July 31, 1929, in Montevideo, Uruguay, during a transformative era for South American football. He would go on to become a respected figure in the sport, representing both his native Uruguay and his adopted Spain throughout his career. His life spanned nearly a century, witnessing the evolution of professional football across two continents and the deep cultural connections between Latin America and Europe.

Over the course of his life, Santamaría built a legacy as a footballer that bridged two nations. His career took him from the vibrant football culture of Uruguay to Spain, where he became part of the country’s developing football tradition. Through his dedication to the sport, he contributed to the international football community during a period of significant growth and change in European and South American athletics.

Santamaría passed away on April 15, 2026, in Madrid, Spain, at the remarkable age of 96. His long life allowed him to see countless changes in the game he loved and the world around him. He is remembered as a link between Uruguay’s proud footballing heritage and Spain’s rising prominence in international sport, a testament to his significance in the history of football across both nations.