Sixty-three years ago today, a young Galician forward stepped onto the Santiago Bernabéu pitch and began a legendary career with Real Madrid. Amancio Amaro Varela,who would become a cornerstone of one of the club’s most dominant eras,made his debut in a European Cup tie against Anderlecht on September 12,1962,in a match that ended in a 3-3 draw.
Amancio, age 22 at the time, joined Real Madrid after playing for Deportivo de La Coruña and promptly found himself in esteemed company, sharing the attack with icons like Alfredo Di stéfano, Francisco Gento, and Ferenc Puskas. His LaLiga debut proved equally impactful, marked by a goal in a 5-2 victory over Betis.Over 14 seasons, amancio amassed 155 goals in 471 appearances, solidifying his status as a global football star and a Madrid icon.
During his time as a Madridista, Amancio secured a European Cup title – notably scoring in the final, known as La Sexta – along with nine LaLiga titles and three Spanish Cups. His influence extended beyond his playing days; he later coached Real Madrid Castilla, leading them to a historic Second Division championship. He also served as first-team coach for a season, laying the groundwork for the famed Quinta del Buitre generation.
Recognizing his profound contribution to the club, Amancio was appointed Honorary President of Real Madrid on October 2, 2022, a role he held with distinction until his passing on February 21, 2023. Today’s anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of a player whose skill, dedication, and leadership left an indelible mark on Real Madrid’s storied history.
