After a protracted fight with cancer, Javier Dorado, a former member of Real Madrid’s academy and first squad, tragically passed away. Los Blancos spearheaded the internet memorials by issuing a statement about the 48-year-old’s passing.
Born and reared in Spain’s capital, Dorado rose through the ranks of the Spanish powerhouses as a young, fresh-faced player who dreamed of playing for the legendary team in white, black, and gold starting in 1996.
Under Vicente del Bosque, the left-back was promoted to the first squad three years later. In 1999, he made his senior debut in a Copa del Rey victory over Valencia, winning 6-0. A year later, he (shown directly below) also contributed to his team’s Champions League victory.
After numerous loan stints overseas, Dorado decided to stay in Spain and join Rayo Vallecano in 2002 because it was too difficult to unseat none other than Roberto Carlos from his starting left-back spot.
A transfer to Sporting Gijon beckoned after he made just 12 appearances at Estadio de Vallecas. Dorado also played for RCD Mallorca and CD Atletico Baleares before hanging up his boots and retiring in 2012 at the age of 35.
Javier Dorado Loses Battle with Cancer, Aged 48
Real Madrid have released a touching statement
Nuestro club está muy apenado por la pérdida de Javier Dorado. Demostración perfecta de un deportista. El fútbol te recordará. Abrazo a toda la familia y allegados. pic.twitter.com/KurVUvW8Td
— CDC Moscardó (@CDCMOSCARDO_com) February 27, 2025
Sadly, Dorado has lost the fight with Real Madrid, announcing his death. He has been fighting the disease since 2022 and had a bone marrow transplant at the Son Espases Hospital in Mallorca in May 2024. According to a club statement:
The death of Javier Dorado, a Real Madrid academy graduate and a member of our organisation’s first squad in 1999 and 2000, has left Real Madrid C.F., its president, and its board of directors extremely upset. Real Madrid sends its sympathy and condolences to his loved ones, friends, and family, as well as to the teams he has played for.
“Javier Dorado won one European Cup, La Octava in Paris (2000), throughout his two seasons wearing Real Madrid colours. Javier Dorado died at the age of forty-eight. The statement ended, “May he rest in peace.”
Comunicado Oficial: fallecimiento de Javier Dorado.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 27, 2025
The former full-back recently talked about his fight with cancer, according to The Mirror. Dorado told El Comercio, “I’ve been at it for a while, and I hope this whole nightmare ends, that we can get out and be at peace.”
He went on to say that he made an effort to live a typical post-retirement life, adding, “I’ve been fighting for years and the tough treatments take a toll, especially when they end because they leave me a bit more tired and a bit more affected.” “But I make an effort to lead a typical life.”
