Luis Suarez, the renowned former Barcelona and Inter Milan midfielder (not to be confused with Uruguay’s Luiz Suarez), passed away at the age of 88, as announced by both clubs on Sunday.
Suarez, who joined Barcelona in 1955, achieved the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, the highest individual accolade in soccer, after leading the Catalan side to a league and cup double in 1959.
He also represented Spain in 32 international matches and played a crucial role in their victory at the European Championship in 1964.
Barcelona stated, “Luis Suarez Miramontes passed away on Sunday in Milan at the age of 88. Affectionately known as ‘Luisito,’ he is universally regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Spanish football, having played a vital role in Barcelona during the late 1950s.”
Suarez joined Inter Milan in 1961, where he enjoyed tremendous success, winning three Serie A titles, two European Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups during his nine-year tenure in Milan.
Inter expressed their deep sadness, saying, “Bidding farewell to Luisito fills us with profound sorrow: nostalgia for his flawless and incomparable football, which inspired generations, combines with the memory of a unique footballer and a magnificent Inter player. We will miss him because, as (former Inter manager) Helenio Herrera preached, ‘If you don’t know what to do, give the ball to Suarez.'”
After retiring from playing in 1973, Suarez transitioned to a managerial role, leading Inter, Deportivo La Coruna, Cagliari, and SPAL. He also served as the head coach of the Spanish national team from 1988 to 1991, guiding them to the knockout stage of the 1990 World Cup.
Alfredo di Stefano, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1957 and 1959, was born in Argentina but acquired Spanish nationality in 1956.
