46 years without Santiago Bernabéu
A key figure in Real Madrid history passed away on 2 June 1978: he was president for more than three decades and turned the club into a benchmark in world sport.
Santiago Bernabéu passed away in Madrid on 2 June 1978, at the age of 82. Player, coach, manager and president, his influence is incalculable in the Real Madrid legend. During his tenure as president, he was responsible for the remarkable growth of the club in both the institutional and sporting spheres. In addition, among his initiatives was the construction of the Nuevo Chamartín, inaugurated in 1947 and renamed in his honour years later.
Santiago Bernabéu was born in Almansa, Albacete, on 8 June 1895 and was appointed president of Real Madrid in 1943. Until his death, the club won 6 European Cups, with the man himself proving a driving force behind the competition. They also clinched 16 Leagues, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 6 Spanish Cups, 2 Latin Cups and 2 Small Club World Cups.
Basketball honours
The basketball team also dominated the national and international scene with Bernabéu as president, winning 6 European Cups, 3 Intercontinental Cups, 19 Leagues, 18 Spanish Cups and 1 Latin Cup.