47 years without Santiago Bernabéu
On 2 June 1978, a key figure in the history of Real Madrid passed away: he was the president for more than three decades and made the club a reference in world sport.
On 2 June 1978, Santiago Bernabéu died in Madrid at the age of 82. Player, coach, board member and president, his influence is incalculable in the Real Madrid legend. During his tenure as president, he was responsible for the great growth of the club as both an institution and also in the sporting realm. In addition, among his initiatives is 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, in football the club won 6 European Cups, a competition for which he was the driving force, 16 Leagues, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 6 Spanish Cups, 2 Latin Cups and 2 Club World Cups.
Basketball achievements
With Bernabéu as president, the basketball section also dominated the national and international scene: 6 European Cups, 3 Intercontinental Cups, 19 Leagues, 18 Spanish Cups and 1 Latin Cup.