UEFA's touching tribute to MARCA's Luis Infante at Brussels Congress
The European football governing body remembered the influential former MARCA director alongside other departed football figures during an emotional ceremony in Brussels.
UEFA paid respects to influential Spanish football figures who’ve passed away since their last gathering, including former MARCA director Luis Infante, during an emotional tribute at their 50th Ordinary Congress in Brussels.
A fitting tribute
Before kicking off the main business in the Belgian capital, UEFA took a moment to honour those who’ve contributed to football across Europe but are no longer with us. The tribute featured names from all corners of European football - from players and coaches to journalists and administrators who’ve left their mark on the beautiful game.
The tribute was particularly poignant for Spanish football media, as Luis Infante - who passed away on December 23rd at 82 - featured prominently among those honoured. Infante wasn’t just any old hack; he was a proper game-changer in Spanish sports journalism during his decade at MARCA’s helm from 1987 to 1997.
Infante’s legacy
Under Infante’s leadership, MARCA revolutionised sports journalism in Spain, transforming it into something far more entertaining and accessible for readers. His innovative approach helped the publication reach staggering circulation numbers:
- Nearly 500,000 papers sold daily
- Over 2.5 million readers during his tenure
These numbers aren’t just impressive - they’re testament to how Infante changed the bread and butter of sports reporting in Spain.
Other Spanish football figures remembered
The tribute wasn’t limited to Infante alone. UEFA’s comprehensive memorial also honoured other significant Spanish football figures including:
- Javier Dorado, former Real Madrid youth player
- José Ángel de la Casa, renowned journalist
- José Araquistain, former Real Madrid goalkeeper
- Juan Manuel Ochotorena, goalkeeper
- Enrique Collar, Atlético Madrid legend
- Xavier Azkargorta, former manager
It’s proper decent of UEFA to take time out from their usual politics and remember those who’ve contributed to the game we all love. Even in the midst of ongoing tensions with certain clubs, these moments remind us that football is ultimately about people and their passion for the sport.