Liverpool Football Club is grieving the loss of former goalkeeping coach José Manuel Ochotorena, who has passed away at the age of 64. The sad news was confirmed on Monday morning by Valencia CF, where the Spanish coach spent much of his playing and coaching career.
Ochotorena’s death from cancer was announced shortly after Real Madrid’s El Clásico victory, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the football community. The revered coach had been battling health complications for some time before his passing.
The Basque-born goalkeeper coach joined Rafa Benítez’s backroom staff at Liverpool in the summer of 2004, following a successful spell together at Valencia that produced multiple trophies. During his three years at Anfield, Ochotorena famously helped prepare Jerzy Dudek for the 2005 Champions League final penalty shootout against AC Milan — a night that went down in history as Liverpool’s miraculous comeback from 3–0 down to lift the trophy.
A year later, he was part of the coaching team that guided the Reds to FA Cup glory and remained at the club until 2007, during which Liverpool also reached another Champions League final.
Valencia CF expressed their sorrow in a statement:
> “Valencia CF is deeply saddened by the loss of José Manuel Ochotorena, goalkeeping coach, former player, and club legend, at the age of 64. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Real Madrid, where Ochotorena began his playing career, also paid tribute, stating:
> “Real Madrid C.F., its president, and Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the passing of José Manuel Ochotorena, one of our club’s great goalkeepers.”
Born in San Sebastián in 1961, Ochotorena rose through Real Madrid’s youth ranks and played for the senior team from 1982 to 1988, winning three La Liga titles, two UEFA Cups, and a Copa de la Liga.
He went on to enjoy success at Valencia, notably winning the Zamora Trophy in his debut season for having the best goals-to-games ratio in La Liga.
Our thoughts are with José Manuel Ochotorena’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, José Manuel Ochotorena (1961–2025).
Liverpool Football Club is grieving the loss of former goalkeeping coach José Manuel Ochotorena, who has passed away at the age of 64. The sad news was confirmed on Monday morning by Valencia CF, where the Spanish coach spent much of his playing and coaching career.
Ochotorena’s death from cancer was announced shortly after Real Madrid’s El Clásico victory, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the football community. The revered coach had been battling health complications for some time before his passing.
The Basque-born goalkeeper coach joined Rafa Benítez’s backroom staff at Liverpool in the summer of 2004, following a successful spell together at Valencia that produced multiple trophies. During his three years at Anfield, Ochotorena famously helped prepare Jerzy Dudek for the 2005 Champions League final penalty shootout against AC Milan — a night that went down in history as Liverpool’s miraculous comeback from 3–0 down to lift the trophy.
A year later, he was part of the coaching team that guided the Reds to FA Cup glory and remained at the club until 2007, during which Liverpool also reached another Champions League final.
Valencia CF expressed their sorrow in a statement:
> “Valencia CF is deeply saddened by the loss of José Manuel Ochotorena, goalkeeping coach, former player, and club legend, at the age of 64. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Real Madrid, where Ochotorena began his playing career, also paid tribute, stating:
> “Real Madrid C.F., its president, and Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the passing of José Manuel Ochotorena, one of our club’s great goalkeepers.”
Born in San Sebastián in 1961, Ochotorena rose through Real Madrid’s youth ranks and played for the senior team from 1982 to 1988, winning three La Liga titles, two UEFA Cups, and a Copa de la Liga.
He went on to enjoy success at Valencia, notably winning the Zamora Trophy in his debut season for having the best goals-to-games ratio in La Liga.
Our thoughts are with José Manuel Ochotorena’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, José Manuel Ochotorena (1961–2025).
