Real Madrid announced today the death of Miguel Ángel González Suárez, at the age of 76. The legendary goalkeeper, nicknamed “El Gato”, defended the white club’s goal for 18 seasons, winning 16 titles, and was also international with the Spanish team on 18 occasions.
A life dedicated to Real Madrid
Miguel Ángel arrived at Real Madrid in 1968 and became one of the most emblematic goalkeepers in the club’s history. Throughout his career, he won 2 UEFA Cups, 8 Leagues, 5 Spanish Cups and 1 League Cup. Additionally, in the 1975-76 season, he was awarded the Zamora Trophy for the goalkeeper with the fewest goals scored in the League.
International career
Miguel Ángel was also an important player for the Spanish team. He participated in the World Cups in Argentina 1978 and Spain 1982, playing a total of 18 games with La Roja.
After his retirement as a player in 1986, Miguel Ángel continued to be linked to Real Madrid, performing different functions, such as delegate of the first team, goalkeeping coach and director of the old Ciudad Deportiva.
In December 2022, Miguel Ángel publicly announced that he suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. Since then, he bravely fought the disease.
Real Madrid, its president and its Board of Directors have expressed their condolences for the death of Miguel Ángel, whom they consider “one of the great goalkeepers in our history, a legend of Real Madrid and Spanish football.”
Real Madrid statement
Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Miguel Ángel González, one of the great goalkeepers in our history, a legend of Real Madrid and Spanish football.
Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and love to his wife, María del Pilar, to his son Miguel Ángel, to his grandchildren Daniela and Mauro, to his family, to his teammates and to all his loved ones.
In the eighteen seasons that Miguel Ángel wore the Real Madrid shirt, from 1968 to 1986, he won 2 UEFA Cups, 8 Leagues, 5 Spanish Cups and 1 League Cup. In the 1975-1976 season he won the Zamora Trophy.
Miguel Ángel was international for Spain on 18 occasions, and was part of the Spanish team in two World Cups: Argentina 78 and Spain 82.
Miguel Ángel has been linked to Real Madrid practically his entire life. In addition to his 18 seasons as a player, he held different responsibilities as first team delegate, goalkeeping coach and director of the former Real Madrid Sports City.
Miguel Ángel has died at the age of 76. Real Madrid extends its condolences to all Real Madrid fans. Rest in peace.