Beloved ex-Real Madrid and Liverpool coach dies at 64 as tributes pour in from devastated Reds star

Jose Manuel Ochotorena, former Real Madrid goalkeeper and Liverpool goalkeeping coach, has died at the age of 64 following a protracted illness. Ochotorena’s career in football was marked by both domestic and international successes, earning recognition across Spain and England for his achievements both on the pitch and as a mentor.

He enjoyed a distinguished playing career spanning nearly two decades, during which he collected three LaLiga titles and two UEFA Cups with Real Madrid. His reputation only grew after moving to Valencia, where he won the Zamora Trophy and became a club legend. Ochotorena also made a single appearance for the Spanish national team.

Following his retirement, Ochotorena transitioned into coaching, where he mentored goalkeepers at Valencia for many years, including during Gary Neville’s tenure. He also worked at Liverpool during Rafael Benitez’s reign, notably contributing to the Reds’ Champions League triumph in 2005. His expertise extended to the Spanish national team, with whom he celebrated two European Championships and a World Cup victory.

Valencia paid tribute to Ochotorena, stating, “Valencia CF deeply regrets the passing of Jose Manuel Ochotorena, a legend of our club and a leading figure in Spanish football. A legendary goalkeeper for Valencia FC, where he won the Zamora Trophy, he continued to build his legacy and leave an indelible mark as a goalkeeper coach. In this role, he also became European and world champion with the Spanish national team. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you greatly.”

Liverpool’s current goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, credited Ochotorena with influencing his decision to join the Premier League. The two worked together at Valencia, and Mamardashvili said, “Ochotorena is an amazing person and an amazing coach. Actually, he was one of the first who I talked to about Liverpool’s offer and he directly told me, ‘just sign the contract’, because he knows how big a club Liverpool is, and I just want to tell him thank you. Thank you for everything and see you soon, Ochotorena.”

Mamardashvili paid further tribute on social media, writing, “A person who had a huge impact on my career and my life has passed away. Thank you for everything you taught me, for believing in me, and for helping me grow, not only as a footballer, but also as a person. Your legacy will live on forever in all of us who were fortunate enough to learn from you. Rest in peace, Ochoto.”

Real Madrid also honored their former player, releasing a statement: “Real Madrid C.F., its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Jose Manuel Ochotorena, one of our club’s legendary goalkeepers. Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, teammates and all his loved ones, as well as to all the clubs he played for. Ochotorena defended the Real Madrid shirt for six seasons, from 1982 to 1988, during which time he won two UEFA Cups, three LaLiga titles and one Copa de la Liga. In addition to Real Madrid, he played for Valencia, Tenerife, Logrones and Racing de Santander. With Valencia, he won the Zamora Trophy in the 1989-1990 season. He was part of the Spanish national team at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Ochotorena also had a distinguished career as a goalkeeping coach at clubs such as Valencia and Liverpool, as well as with the Spanish national team [2004-2021], with whom he won one World Cup and two European Championships. Jose Manuel Ochotorena has passed away at the age of 64. Real Madrid extends its condolences to all Madridistas. May he rest in peace.”

Ochotorena also spent time with Tenerife, Logrones, and Racing Santander during his playing career before retiring in 1998. Although his international career with Spain was brief, his influence on football, especially as a coach, was profound and lasting.