Luis Suárez Miramontes, the so-called “Golden Galician” who is the sole Spanish gentleman to receive soccer’s most esteemed individual accolade, the Ballon d’Or, has departed this life, as announced by former club Inter Milan. He was 88.
Inter did not disclose the cause of Suárez’s demise upon the announcement of his passing on Sunday.
Even though he was born in the northwest Spanish region of Galicia, the midfielder achieved the majority of his triumphs in Italy with Inter, including the European Cup in 1964 and 1965, as well as three Italian league titles. Suárez made the transition from Barcelona to Inter after securing two Spanish league titles.
“Regrettably, his most successful period occurred when he was no longer a Barca player,” remarked Barcelona’s website.
Suárez claimed the Ballon d’Or in 1960 and finished as the runner-up in 1961 and 1964. He was a member of Spain’s team that clinched the 1964 European Championship, marking the nation’s first major title.
Following his retirement in 1973, Suárez had three coaching stints at Inter. He also served as the manager of Spain’s national team from 1988-91.
Suárez played down the significance of his Ballon d’Or, an award that eluded subsequent Spanish superstars such as Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, and Raul Gonzalez.
“So much depends on the era in which you find yourself living,” Suárez told FIFA’s website.
“You require the element of luck that comes into play when another great player of your time does not perform as exceptionally. There have been truly outstanding players who have never secured that honor. It is not as significant as it may appear.”
Real Madrid forward Alfredo di Stefano, who won the award in 1957 and 1959, was born in Argentina.
Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas has been crowned the women’s Ballon d’Or champion twice.