Jose Manuel Ochotorena, a former Liverpool goalkeeper coach and Real Madrid player, has passed away at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer. He contributed to Liverpool's 2005 Champions League triumph and Spain's golden era of international success. Tributes have poured in from Liverpool, Valencia, and Real Madrid.
Jose Manuel Ochotorena, born in San Sebastian in 1961, died on October 27, 2025, at age 64. The Spaniard had a distinguished career as both a player and coach in soccer.
As a player, Ochotorena rose through Real Madrid's youth ranks and featured in the senior squad from 1982 to 1988, winning three La Liga titles, two UEFA Cups, and one Copa de la Liga. He joined Valencia in 1988, making over 100 appearances, and earned the Zamora Trophy for the lowest goals-to-games ratio in the 1989-1990 season. He also played for Tenerife, Racing Santander, and Logrones, retiring in 1998 at age 37. Ochotorena won one cap for Spain and was part of the 1990 World Cup squad.
Transitioning to coaching, Ochotorena arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2004 with manager Rafael Benitez, whom he had worked with at Valencia. Over three years at Anfield, he helped the team secure the 2005 Champions League, the 2006 FA Cup, and reach the 2007 Champions League final. After leaving Liverpool, he returned to Valencia as goalkeeper coach and joined Spain's staff from 2004 to 2021, contributing to back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, plus the 2010 World Cup.
Liverpool issued a statement: “Liverpool FC is saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena... The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Jose Manuel’s family and friends at this difficult time. RIP Jose Manuel Ochotorena, 1961-2025.”
Valencia CF expressed: “Valencia CF deeply regrets the passing of Jose Manuel Ochotorena, a legend of our club... We will miss you greatly.” Real Madrid added: “Real Madrid C. F... are deeply saddened by the death of José Manuel Ochotorena... May he rest in peace.”
Current Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who worked with Ochotorena, posted on Instagram: “A person who had a huge impact on my career and my life is gone... Rest in peace Ochoto 💔🕊️” Former colleague Andres Palop wrote on X: “I will never forget you, José Manuel Ochotorena... Rest in Peace, Friend🤍🖤”