Former Liverpool goalkeeping coach and ex-Real Madrid star dies aged 64 as club pay heartbreaking tribute

FORMER Liverpool goalkeeping coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena has died aged 64.

The ex-Real Madrid shot-stopper, who worked with the Premier League club when Rafa Benitez was manager, was described today as a “club legend” by Valencia where he also played and worked as a goalkeeping coach.

The LaLiga team said in a social media post this morning: “Valencia CF deeply regrets the passing of Jose Manuel Ochotorena, a legend of our club and a leading figure in Spanish football.

“A legendary goalkeeper for Valencia FC, where he won the Zamora Trophy, he continued to build his legacy and leave an indelible mark as a goalkeeper coach. In this role, he also became European and world champion with the Spanish national team.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you greatly.”

Jose Manuel, who had been suffering with illness for some time, began his career with Real Madrid.

He won three league titles and two UEFA cups with Los Blancos, although he wasn’t first choice goalkeeper for most of his time there.

As well as Valencia, who he had a memorable 1989/1990 season with, his club sides included Tenerife, Logrones and Racing de Santander.

He played in goal once for Spain’s national side, in a 1989 friendly, although he was also part of the squad for the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

He became a goalkeeping coach for Valencia after retiring before moving to Liverpool in 2004 to perform the same role under Benitez.

He returned to Valencia in the summer of 2007 and even worked with Gary Neville during the Man Utd legend’s horror stint in charge in 2015-16. He also worked as a goalkeeping coach for the Spanish national team, helping them to achieve two Euros and a World Cup.

Liverpool and Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who signed for the Reds from Valencia, described Jose Manuel as an “amazing person and coach” in an interview shortly after joining the Premier League side.

Asked if Octotorena had told him what to expect at Anfield, the 25-year-old said: “Yes, of course. Ochotorena is an amazing person and an amazing coach.

“Actually, he was one of the first who I talked to about Liverpool’s offer and he directly told me, ‘Just sign the contract’, because he knows how big a club Liverpool is, and I just want to tell him thank you.”

He added in his July 2025 interview, saying he was looking forward to a reunion which sadly is never thought to have taken place: “Thank you for everything and see you soon, Ochotorena.”

Mamardashvili then paid a classy tribute to him once news of his death broke.

He wrote on Instagram: “A person who had a huge impact on my career and my life has passed away.

“Thank you for everything you taught me, for believing in me, and for helping me grow, not only as a footballer, but also as a person.

“Your legacy will live on forever in all of us who were fortunate enough to learn from you. Rest in peace, Ochoto.”

Jose Manuel is understood to have passed away yesterday, although the news only became public this morning.

El Chiringuito TV said in a tribute post: “Rest in peace. Jose Manuel made his first division debut with Real Madrid and won the Zamora Trophy with Valencia.

“He was the goalkeeping coach for the Spanish national side for almost two decades, where he became a champion of Europe and of the world.”

Real Madrid said in a statement released this morning: “Real Madrid C.F., its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Jose Manuel Ochotorena, one of our club’s legendary goalkeepers.

“Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, teammates and all his loved ones, as well as to all the clubs he played for.

“Ochotorena defended the Real Madrid shirt for six seasons, from 1982 to 1988, during which time he won two UEFA Cups, three LaLiga titles and one Copa de la Liga.

“In addition to Real Madrid, he played for Valencia, Tenerife, Logrones and Racing de Santander. With Valencia, he won the Zamora Trophy in the 1989-1990 season.

“He was part of the Spanish national team at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

“Ochotorena also had a distinguished career as a goalkeeping coach at clubs such as Valencia and Liverpool, as well as with the Spanish national team (2004-2021), with whom he won one World Cup and two European Championships.

“Jose Manuel Ochotorena has passed away at the age of 64. Real Madrid extends its condolences to all Madridistas. May he rest in peace.”

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