Cancer kills former Real Madrid left-back aged 48

By Emmanuel Akyereko

European powerhouse Real Madrid have announced the passing of their former player who helped Los Blancos to lift the European title in 2000.

Javier Dorado came through the Real Madrid academy and debuted for the La Liga record-winners in 1999 in a Copa del Rey game against Valencia.

The left-back struggled to compete with Brazilian Roberto Carlos for the left-back role and had to enjoy spells outside on loan before leaving the Santiago Bernabeu permanently to join Rayo Vallencano in 2002.

Dorado retired from football in 2012 and sadly passed away on February 27, 2025 from cancer.