Juan Manuel Villa, member of ‘Los Magníficos’ of Real Zaragoza, dies

Former footballer Juan Manuel Villa, one of the five members of the historic Real Zaragoza forward known as ‘Los Magníficos’, died this Sunday at the age of 86, the club has confirmed.

“Real Zaragoza wants to show its condolences for the death of Juan Manuel Villa, one of the club’s greatest legends and member of that historic team known as ‘Los Magníficos’, who left us this Sunday, January 5 at the age of 86” , published the Aragonese entity.

The Sevillian player trained in the youth ranks of Real Madrid, a club with which he made his debut at the age of 21 in a Cup match in 1959. After a loan to Real Sociedad, Villa signed for Real Zaragoza in the 1962-63 season. where he became a legend.

He remained there until 1971, playing 233 official matches with 77 goals in nine seasons as a Zaragoza player, and wore the number ’10’. He was part of the well-known forward line of ‘Los Magníficos’ along with Canario, Santos, Marcelino and Lapetra.

Together with them he won two Cups against Atlético de Madrid and Athletic de Bilbao (1964 and 1966) and a Fairs Cup against Valencia (1964), three finals in which he scored. His work in the Aragonese team allowed him to be called up by the Spanish coach José Villalonga for the 1964 Euro Cup, and together with other Zaragoza players such as Reija, Marcelino and Lapetra, he won the title.

“At Real Zaragoza we want to show all our support to family and friends in these difficult times. Thank you, Villa. We will never forget you. Your legacy will be eternal,” the club concluded.