72 years since Gento's debut
On 13 September 1953, the Real Madrid legend played the first of his 600 matches for our team.
On 13 September 1953, Paco Gento made his official debut for Real Madrid. It was in a League match against Osasuna, which our team won 2-0. Thus began the Cantabrian's legend at Real Madrid, which lasted for 18 seasons. He was the first player at the club to reach 600 official matches and scored 182 goals.
Gento achieved a spectacular list of honours, including six European Cups (he was the first player in history to achieve this). He also won one Intercontinental Cup, two Latin Cups, 12 Leagues, two Spanish Cups and one Small Club World Cup. His importance in Real Madrid history and world football led the Members' Assembly to elect him in October 2016 as honorary president of Real Madrid, a position he held until his death on 18 January 2022.