RIP. Former Alavés player José Ramón Badiola has died

A major loss for Spanish football.

Details: Spanish football has bid farewell to José Ramón Badiola, the former Real Zaragoza and Alavés player, whose passing was officially announced by both clubs in a joint statement.

Real Zaragoza and Alavés extended their heartfelt condolences to the player's family and loved ones, emphasizing that his memory will forever remain a part of the clubs' history.

Badiola made his mark not only through his performances on the pitch, but also thanks to events that nearly cost him his life. In July 1979, he was among the guests at the Corona de Aragón hotel when a devastating fire broke out. Fleeing the flames, the footballer was forced to jump from the building, suffering severe injuries.

Interestingly, his teammate Jorge Valdano, who had signed with Zaragoza at the same time as Badiola, escaped the tragedy simply because he postponed his arrival by one day.

Throughout his professional career, José Ramón Badiola wore the colors of Alavés and Real Zaragoza, leaving behind fond memories among teammates, fans, and everyone who knew his story.

See also: A horse dies after the Gold Cup race