Legendary Spanish football star Luis Suarez Miramontes, who was Spain’s last winner of the Ballon d’Or, has passed away at the age of 88. Suarez is widely regarded as one of the greatest Spanish football players of all time, and his contributions to the sport will always be remembered.
Suarez had an illustrious playing career that spanned from 1953 to 1973. He played as a midfielder for top clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Sampdoria. During his time at Barcelona, Suarez was part of one of the great teams of the 1950s, winning two LaLigas and two Copa de España titles. He was nicknamed “The Architect” for pioneering the modern attacking midfielder role.
In 1960, Suarez made history by becoming the first Barcelona player to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or. He finished ahead of legendary Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskas to claim the award. This achievement solidified his status as one of the best players in the world at that time.
Following his Ballon d’Or win, Suarez transferred to Inter Milan in 1961 for a world record fee. He played a crucial role in the “Grande Inter” team, which went on to win three Serie A titles and two consecutive European cups. This team is widely regarded as the greatest in Inter’s history.
Throughout his career, Suarez made 328 appearances for Inter Milan and scored 55 goals, despite playing as a deep-lying playmaker. He also represented Spain in international competitions, playing 32 games and scoring 14 goals. Suarez was part of the Spanish national team that won the 1964 European Championship, their only international trophy until they won the 2008 Euros.
After retiring from playing, Suarez ventured into management. His managerial career began in 1973 when he took charge of Genoa. He went on to manage several Italian clubs, including three separate stints with Inter Milan. His contributions to the sport were recognized by his former clubs, with Inter Milan paying tribute to him on social media, calling him the “perfect footballer” who inspired generations. Barcelona also honored their former player, referring to him as a “football legend” and a “Barca legend.”
The passing of Luis Suarez Miramontes is a great loss to the football community. His talent, skill, and contributions to the sport will always be remembered. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of football players and fans alike. Rest in peace, Luis Suarez Miramontes.