Former Real Madrid defender Javier Dorado dies aged 48

The football world and the Real Madrid family are mourning the loss of one of their most distinguished academy players, Javier Dorado.

The former footballer, as confirmed by the club in an official statement, has passed away at the age of 48 after a long illness.

Photo: X - Real Madrid

Javier Dorado was diagnosed with cancer years ago and initially overcame it but suffered a relapse two years ago. This time, he was unable to recover.

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According to AS, the player was living in Palma and was on the waiting list for a bone marrow transplant, which sadly did not arrive in time.

Photo: Pexels - Zeoxs

Javier Dorado developed his skills at La Fábrica, Real Madrid's academy, and played for Rayo Vallecano, Salamanca, Sporting de Gijón, Mallorca and Atlético Baleares, as well as spending the 1999-2000 season at Real Madrid.

Photo: X - Sporting de Gijón

That season was when Real Madrid won the Champions League—their eighth, in Paris—defeating Valencia.

Valencia would play a key role in his top-flight career. He made his debut against them on 20 February 2000 at Mestalla in a league match. He played 45 minutes in a game that ended in a 1–1 draw.

Photo: Web Real Madrid

With Real Madrid, he played two league matches, four in the Copa del Rey and one in the Club World Cup. He never made his Champions League debut, though he was in the matchday squad seven times during the season of 'la Octava'.

Javier Dorado played a total of 308 professional matches, 16 of them in La Liga, scoring four goals.

Photo: X - Atlético Baleares

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All his former clubs, from Sporting Gijón to Mallorca, have bid farewell to Javier Dorado on social media. May he rest in peace.

Photo: X - Mallorca