Former Real Madrid player Javier Dorado has died aged 48 on Thursday after a long battle with cancer.
Dorado was part of Madrid academy system since 1996 before getting a promotion to the first team three years later under Vicente del Bosque.
The former left back made his debut in 1999 in a Copa del Rey match against Valencia, and won the Champions League trophy a season later.
“Real Madrid C. F., its president and Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the passing of Javier Dorado, Real Madrid academy graduate and first-team player for our club in 1999 and 2000,” the club announced on their website.
“Real Madrid extends its condolences and love to his family, teammates and loved ones, as well as all the clubs he has played for.
“Over the course of two season in Real Madrid colours, Javier Dorado won 1 European Cup, La Octava in Paris (2000).
Javier Dorado has passed away at 48 years of age. May he rest in peace.”
In his second campaign, Dorado made only seven appearances and gained 400 minutes due to a fierce competition with Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos.
His following part of the career was marked by loan moves to UD Salamanca and Sporting Gijon, before leaving Santiago Bernabeu permanently over a transfer to Rayo Vallecano.
Dorado continued his football journey to several Spanish sides, such as Mallorca and Atletico Baleares, where he retired in 2012 at the age of 35.
